Devastating 6.0-Magnitude Quake in Eastern Afghanistan Leaves 800+ Dead, 2,800 Injured
A magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan near Jalalabad late on August 31, killing over 800 people and injuring nearly 2,800. Rescue efforts are ongoing amid collapsed villages and blocked mountain roads.
image for illustrative purpose
Late on August 31, 2025, a powerful 6.0-magnitude earthquake rocked eastern Afghanistan near Jalalabad, triggering a humanitarian crisis in provinces like Kunar, Nangarhar, Laghman, and Nuristan. The shallow quake struck just before midnight, unleashing intense force across the region.
Key Developments:
Casualties: At least 800 people have died and 2,800 others were injured, many suffering from building collapses and landslides.
Widespread Destruction: Entire villages of mud and stone were flattened. Rescue operations are hampered by mountainous terrain, blocked roads, and ongoing aftershocks.
Emergency Response: Authorities have deployed helicopters, securing over 40 flights, to evacuate hundreds wounded to hospitals. Volunteers and medical teams continue to reach remote areas.
Why It Matters:
Afghanistan lies at the junction of the Indian and Eurasian plates, making it highly prone to seismic activity. This quake follows a line of deadly earthquakes in recent years—including those in 2023 and 2022—further challenging the resilience of a nation already facing humanitarian and economic pressures.
