Aerial search for survivors after Afghan quake kills 800 people

A devastating magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan near the border with Pakistan, killing over 800 people and injuring thousands, prompting a massive aerial search and rescue operation in remote mountainous regions. The quake occurred around midnight on Sunday, August 31, 2025, with its epicenter about 27 kilometers northeast of Jalalabad in Nangarhar province, at a shallow depth of 8-10 kilometers, which amplified the destruction and caused widespread collapse of mud and stone homes. Entire villages in the provinces of Kunar and Nangarhar were flattened, trapping residents under rubble and complicating rescue efforts due to the difficult terrain, blocked roads, and landslides. Rescue teams, including military personnel and humanitarian organizations, employed helicopters to access isolated areas, with 90 flights on Monday alone, though rough terrain prevented some landings. The death toll has risen steadily, with initial reports of 800 fatalities from Taliban authorities, but the Afghan Red Crescent Society updated it to over 1,100 deaths, more than 3,000 injuries, and 8,000 homes destroyed, with numbers expected to increase as teams reach more locations. The Taliban government appealed for international assistance, leading the United Nations to release emergency funds and the UK to pledge £1 million in aid, while various aid groups provide medical care and support. Afghanistan is highly prone to earthquakes due to its location on tectonic fault lines, and this event echoes previous disasters, such as the 2023 Herat earthquake that killed over 2,000 people. The ongoing rescue mission focuses on finding survivors and delivering aid, but challenges persist due to the scale of destruction, limited resources, and Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis exacerbated by years of conflict and reduced foreign aid. The international community is coordinating relief efforts, with further assistance anticipated to address immediate needs and long-term recovery.