Afghanistan Hit by Powerful Aftershocks, Death Toll Rises to 2,200

Post by : Monika

Photo: Reuters

On September 5, 2025, eastern Afghanistan experienced devastating aftershocks following a series of deadly earthquakes that have left the region in chaos. The initial quakes had already killed over 2,200 people and injured thousands more. The new tremors have worsened the situation, destroying more homes, blocking roads, and making rescue efforts much harder.

The affected provinces, including Kunar and Nangarhar, have been particularly hard-hit. Villages were flattened, schools and hospitals were damaged, and families have lost everything they owned. People are now struggling to survive in makeshift shelters without access to clean water, food, or medical supplies.

The Earthquakes and Aftershocks

The first major earthquake struck on Sunday night, registering a magnitude of 6.0. The shallow depth of just 10 kilometers made the quake extremely destructive. It flattened homes and trapped many people under rubble.

In the following days, two strong aftershocks hit the region. The first, a magnitude 6.2 tremor, occurred on Thursday night in Nangarhar province, near the Pakistan border. The second, a 5.4 magnitude quake, struck on Friday morning in the southeastern region. These aftershocks caused additional deaths and injuries, further destroying buildings that had survived the initial quake.

The repeated shaking has made people terrified. Many residents are sleeping outside in the open, fearing that their homes might collapse. Local authorities have warned that more aftershocks are possible, urging people to stay in open areas and avoid damaged buildings.

The Humanitarian Crisis

The earthquakes and aftershocks have created one of the worst humanitarian crises in Afghanistan in recent years. Over 6,700 homes have been completely destroyed, leaving thousands homeless. Families are using tarpaulins, tents, or open-air spaces as temporary shelters.

Access to clean water and food is a major problem. Contaminated water sources have increased the risk of diseases such as cholera. Medical facilities are overwhelmed, with hospitals struggling to care for the injured. Doctors and nurses are working around the clock, but the number of patients far exceeds the available resources.

The World Health Organization has warned of a potential health disaster if aid does not reach the affected areas quickly. Overcrowding, poor sanitation, and lack of medical care could lead to outbreaks of preventable diseases, putting survivors at even greater risk.

Rescue Efforts and Challenges

Rescue teams are facing immense challenges. Landslides, blocked roads, and destroyed bridges make it difficult to reach many villages. Some areas can only be accessed by helicopter. Volunteers, local authorities, and international aid organizations are working together to save lives, but the scale of destruction makes progress slow.

Many residents are still trapped under collapsed buildings. Teams are using cranes, shovels, and their hands to remove debris and rescue survivors. The situation is urgent, as the chances of finding people alive decrease with each passing hour.

Taliban authorities have confirmed that at least 3,640 people are injured, with many in critical condition. Hospitals are running out of beds, and medical supplies are in short supply. Emergency teams are prioritizing the most severe cases, but the need is enormous.

International Response and Aid

The international community has responded with offers of assistance. The United Nations and humanitarian organizations have called for urgent support to help the victims. The World Health Organization is requesting $4 million to provide essential medical supplies, temporary shelters, and emergency relief.

Aid delivery, however, is complicated. Afghanistan’s mountainous terrain, damaged infrastructure, and ongoing political tensions make it difficult to transport supplies. Some countries are hesitant to provide aid because of the Taliban’s governance and policies. This has slowed the distribution of critical resources and increased the suffering of affected families.

Despite these challenges, several organizations are actively working to provide relief. Helicopters are being used to deliver food, water, and medical supplies to remote areas. Field hospitals are being set up to treat the injured, and temporary shelters are being constructed to protect people from the elements.

Stories of Loss and Survival

Among the survivors is Nazar Shah, a 40-year-old farmer from Masud village in Kunar province. Shah’s home was destroyed, and six of his relatives were killed in the earthquake. He now sleeps under a tarpaulin by the river with his remaining family members. He shared, “Everything we had is gone. We don’t even have a roof over our heads. We are just waiting for help to arrive.”

Another survivor, Aalem Jan, described the devastation in his village: “Our homes are gone, schools are destroyed, and hospitals cannot care for the injured. We are trying to survive, but every day is harder than the last.”

These personal stories show the emotional and physical toll of the disaster. Families have lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods. Children are especially vulnerable, facing hunger, cold, and trauma from witnessing the destruction.

Political and Logistical Complications

The Taliban government is leading the local response but faces numerous difficulties. Political tensions and limited international recognition have affected the flow of aid and resources. Some countries are reluctant to send financial or material assistance directly to the Taliban, complicating coordination and delivery of aid.

Logistical challenges also slow relief efforts. Many roads remain blocked by debris and landslides, and helicopters are in short supply. The difficult terrain and ongoing aftershocks make rescue and rebuilding operations dangerous and unpredictable.

Looking Ahead: Recovery and Support

Recovery in Afghanistan will be long and challenging. Immediate priorities include rescuing trapped survivors, providing medical care to the injured, and supplying food, water, and temporary shelter. International organizations emphasize that long-term support will also be necessary to rebuild homes, schools, hospitals, and infrastructure.

Experts warn that winter is approaching, which will make conditions even more difficult for those living in temporary shelters. Cold weather, rain, and snow could increase the risk of illness and further hardship for survivors.

Community efforts, both local and international, are essential to helping families recover. Volunteers are working tirelessly to distribute food and water, set up shelters, and provide medical care. The international community is being urged to act quickly to prevent further loss of life and to support rebuilding efforts in the affected provinces.

Global Attention and Support

The earthquake disaster in Afghanistan has drawn global attention. News agencies, social media, and international organizations have highlighted the urgent need for aid. People around the world are donating money, supplies, and resources to help survivors.

Organizations like the United Nations, the Red Crescent, and Doctors Without Borders are coordinating efforts to ensure aid reaches those in need. These groups emphasize the importance of providing both immediate relief and long-term support to help communities recover.

The earthquakes and aftershocks in Afghanistan have caused massive destruction and a humanitarian crisis. With over 2,200 dead, thousands injured, and homes destroyed, the affected communities are struggling to survive. Rescue teams, medical staff, and international aid organizations are working tirelessly, but the challenges remain enormous.

Personal stories of loss and survival, such as those of Nazar Shah and Aalem Jan, illustrate the human impact of this disaster. Political and logistical complications further complicate relief efforts, making international support even more critical.

The road to recovery will be long, but with continued aid and attention, the affected communities can begin to rebuild their lives. The world watches as Afghanistan faces one of its toughest challenges in recent history, hoping that the victims will receive the help and support they urgently need.

Afghanistan earthquake