Powerful Earthquake Hits Afghanistan, Over 800 Dead and Thousands Injured

Post by : Monika

Photo: Reuters

On September 1, 2025, a devastating earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan, causing massive destruction and a high death toll. The earthquake measured 6.0 on the Richter scale and struck near midnight, with its epicenter located close to the border with Pakistan.

The provinces of Kunar and Nangarhar were the most affected. Early reports confirmed at least 812 people dead and over 2,800 injured. Among the hardest-hit areas was Kunar, where three entire villages were completely destroyed, leaving many families homeless and in shock.

The earthquake has been described as one of the deadliest natural disasters in Afghanistan in recent years. The combination of poor infrastructure, rural settlements, and a mountainous landscape has contributed to the high casualty figures and extensive property damage. Thousands of people are now displaced, living in temporary shelters or with relatives, as they try to recover from the loss of homes, belongings, and loved ones.

Details of the Earthquake

The earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles), which made the shaking particularly strong. Shallow earthquakes often cause more destruction because the energy reaches the surface with greater force. In many affected areas,

homes and buildings are made of mud bricks, which are extremely vulnerable to earthquakes. As a result, many structures collapsed entirely, trapping residents under rubble.

The tremors were not only felt in Afghanistan but also in nearby regions of Pakistan and India, causing panic in neighboring countries. People reported buildings shaking violently, and emergency services in bordering regions were put on alert.

The earthquake’s timing during the night meant that most residents were asleep, increasing the difficulty of escaping from collapsing homes.

Rescue operations began immediately, with helicopters and local teams attempting to transport the injured to hospitals. Medical teams have been working day and night to treat the wounded and provide essential care. Many hospitals in the region are overwhelmed, struggling to accommodate the large number of patients. The earthquake has also destroyed or damaged roads, making it difficult for rescue teams to reach remote villages.

Rescue and Relief Efforts

The Taliban-led government has mobilized all available resources to respond to this disaster. Military and civilian teams are working together to access remote areas, particularly in mountainous regions where roads have been damaged or blocked. At least 40 flights have been conducted to evacuate injured residents and transport the deceased for proper burial.

The Ministry of Public Health has sent doctors, nurses, and medical supplies to the affected provinces. Local residents have also joined rescue efforts, helping to clear debris and search for survivors. Community involvement has been crucial, especially in villages that are difficult for government teams to reach quickly.

Despite these efforts, the scale of the disaster has overwhelmed Afghanistan’s capacity to respond effectively. The country is already facing a humanitarian crisis due to ongoing poverty, displacement, and limited access to international aid. Hospitals and clinics are under-equipped, and the shortage of trained medical personnel further complicates relief operations.

The government has issued an urgent appeal for international assistance to meet the immediate needs of the affected population. The appeal focuses on providing emergency food, clean water, medical supplies, temporary shelters, and long-term support to rebuild homes and infrastructure.

Challenges in Providing Aid

Several factors have made it difficult to provide timely aid to those affected by the earthquake. The first major challenge is the inaccessibility of many areas. The earthquake struck mountainous regions,

where roads are narrow and winding. Many roads have been blocked or destroyed, leaving villages isolated. Rescue teams have had to rely on helicopters and foot travel to reach the most affected locations, slowing down relief efforts.

Another significant challenge is the shortage of resources. Afghanistan’s international aid has declined dramatically over the years. In 2025, the country has only $767 million in aid available, compared to $3.8 billion in 2022. This drop has made it difficult for the government and humanitarian organizations to respond to emergencies like this earthquake. Medical supplies, food, and clean water are limited, and temporary shelters are insufficient to house all displaced families.

The lack of trained personnel is also a major concern. Many rural areas lack sufficient doctors, nurses, and first responders, which delays treatment and increases the risk of further fatalities. Injured residents often have to travel long distances to receive care, which can be life-threatening in severe cases.

International Response

The international community has expressed condolences and offered support for Afghanistan after the earthquake. China has publicly stated its willingness to provide assistance for rescue and relief operations. However, as of now, no foreign governments have sent direct aid to support immediate rescue operations.

The lack of prompt international aid has raised concerns about Afghanistan’s ability to manage the crisis without external help. Observers have emphasized the importance of rapid international intervention, as delays can lead to increased deaths and suffering among the affected population. Humanitarian organizations have also called for global support to help rebuild damaged infrastructure and provide essential services to displaced families.

Impact on the Local Population

The earthquake has caused widespread panic and trauma among the affected population. Families have lost their homes, belongings, and in many cases, loved ones. Children and elderly residents are particularly vulnerable, facing the risk of exposure, hunger, and injury. Many people are living in temporary shelters, often in harsh weather conditions, with limited access to food and clean water.

Education and local businesses have been disrupted. Schools and shops in affected areas have been damaged or destroyed, making daily life even more challenging for residents. Agricultural lands have also been impacted, further threatening food security in the region.

The psychological impact of the earthquake is also significant. Survivors are dealing with trauma from losing family members, friends, and homes. Counseling and mental health support are urgently needed, but resources are extremely limited in rural provinces like Kunar and Nangarhar.

Role of the Government

The Taliban-led government is coordinating relief efforts but faces enormous challenges due to limited resources and infrastructure damage. Government teams are working alongside local communities and volunteer groups to clear rubble, rescue survivors, and provide medical care.

The Ministry of Public Health is overseeing the deployment of doctors, nurses, and medical supplies, while military units are assisting with logistics and transportation. Temporary shelters are being established to accommodate displaced families. Despite these efforts, the scale of destruction exceeds the government’s capacity, highlighting the urgent need for international support.

Long-Term Concerns

Beyond immediate rescue efforts, the earthquake poses long-term challenges for Afghanistan. The destruction of homes, schools, hospitals, and roads will require extensive rebuilding. Many residents will remain homeless or without access to essential services for months or even years.

Food security is another concern. With crops damaged and agricultural activities disrupted, many families may struggle to find enough food. Water and sanitation infrastructure may also be affected, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks.

The earthquake also highlights the vulnerability of Afghanistan to natural disasters. Poor infrastructure, widespread poverty, and limited access to emergency services make the country highly susceptible to large-scale damage from events like earthquakes, floods, and droughts.

The earthquake in eastern Afghanistan has caused devastating loss of life and widespread destruction. Rescue and relief efforts are ongoing, but the country’s limited resources and difficult terrain have hindered progress. Immediate international assistance is essential to provide medical care, food, water, and shelter for affected communities.

The disaster underscores the importance of preparedness and investment in infrastructure, emergency services, and disaster response systems. Afghanistan, already facing a humanitarian crisis, now requires urgent global support to recover from this tragedy and rebuild affected communities.

The coming weeks will be critical for rescuing survivors, preventing further deaths, and delivering aid to the most remote areas. The international community’s response will play a key role in determining how effectively Afghanistan can cope with this disaster and provide relief to its people.

This earthquake is a stark reminder of the fragility of life in disaster-prone areas and the urgent need for cooperation, resources, and compassion from both local authorities and international partners.

Afghanistan earthquake