At least 622 killed in an earthquake of 6.0 magnitude that jolted Afghanistan on August 31, before midnight. This affected several of the provinces including Kunar, Nangarhar, and Laghman near the Pakistan border.
At least 622 killed in an earthquake of 6.0 magnitude that jolted Afghanistan on August 31, before midnight. This affected several of the provinces including Kunar, Nangarhar, and Laghman near the Pakistan border.
The Taliban-run Afghan interior minister on the situation highlighted that over 1500 individuals were reported injured. According to the official reports, the earthquake was shallow, and was about 8 to 10 kilometres deep.
With such depth, an earthquake caused major destruction. The disaster also destroyed numerous houses.
2025 Earthquake: Deadliest since 2022
This year 2025’s earthquake has been seen as the deadliest since 2002. Reports reveal that in 2002, an earthquake of 5.1 magnitude hit the nation, taking the lives of 1000 individuals.
However, this time magnitude demonstrated an escalation in its measure.
| Earthquake magnitude | Casualties | |
| Year 2022 | 5.1 | 1000 |
| Year 2025 | 6.0 | 622 killed/ 1500 injured |
Yesterday’s earthquake destroyed three villages in Kunar where 610 are reported dead in just this area. And, 12 were reported dead in Nangarhar.
The tremors of the quake were also felt in parts of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and India.
Rescue Measures
As an earthquake strikes Afghanistan, rescue operations are underway. The Afghan Red Crescent provided emergency assistance in the affected areas, sent their medical teams. While taking it to twitter handle, ARCS mentioned-
“A powerful earthquake struck late at night in various areas of Nurgal district, Kunar Province, causing both human casualties and significant financial losses to local communities.”
“In the immediate aftermath, officials from the ARCS, along with medical teams, rushed to the affected areas and are currently providing emergency assistance to impacted families.”
Significantly, WHOAfghanistan has also transferred their support to the affected areas. The organisation added-
“As reports of deaths and injuries from the earthquake in the eastern region of Afghanistan continue to emerge, WHO teams are on the ground in hospitals and health facilities, supporting the treatment of wounded and assessing urgent health needs. We are actively delivering essential medicines and supplies and deploying health teams to affected areas to help.”
