UPDATE: A fresh 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan on Tuesday, intensifying the crisis in a region still reeling from a devastating quake that has claimed at least 1,411 lives. This latest tremor hit just two days after a powerful 6.0 magnitude quake rocked the same areas, exacerbating the humanitarian disaster.
Officials report that the epicenter of today’s quake was located near Kunar Province, where the initial earthquake caused widespread destruction. Ehsanullah Ehsan, a spokesman for disaster management, stated, “These aftershocks are constant, but they have not caused any casualties yet.” However, the situation remains dire, with ongoing rescue efforts hampered by damaged infrastructure and remote locations.
The death toll from Sunday’s quake has steadily risen, with reports confirming 3,124 injuries in Kunar alone. Neighboring Nangarhar Province also suffered losses, with additional fatalities and hundreds injured. Zabihullah Mujahid, the chief Taliban government spokesman, emphasized the scale of the disaster, making it one of the deadliest in decades.
Rescue teams continue to search through the rubble of over 5,400 destroyed homes, tirelessly working day and night to find survivors. Villagers have joined forces, using their bare hands to clear debris in a race against time. Many affected areas remain inaccessible, complicating relief efforts.
The humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan is profound, with the United Nations warning that the devastation could impact “hundreds of thousands.” Indrika Ratwatte, the UN humanitarian coordinator, stated that the scale of need far exceeds current resources, highlighting the challenges posed by reduced international aid since the Taliban took control in 2021.
In response to the disaster, the European Union has pledged €1 million (approximately $1.2 million) and is dispatching 130 tonnes of emergency supplies to assist victims. This aid comes at a critical time, as Afghanistan faces one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, further intensified by ongoing funding cuts.
Emergency services are overwhelmed. Rahmatullah Khaksar, who leads an emergency ward in Jalalabad, stated that the hospital has received 600 injured since Sunday, many suffering from severe trauma. “Most of the patients were trauma patients. They were hit on the head, back, abdomen and legs,” he reported, adding that provisions have been made for unidentified patients until they can be reunited with their families.
As the rescue operations continue, the emotional toll is palpable. Survivors, like Obaidullah Stoman, who journeyed to search for his missing friend, expressed their heartbreak: “I’m searching here, but I didn’t see him. It was very difficult for me to see the conditions here. There is only rubble left.”
The tremors felt today are a stark reminder of Afghanistan’s vulnerability to seismic activity, particularly in the Hindu Kush region, where tectonic plates frequently shift. This latest earthquake follows a devastating 5.9-magnitude quake in June 2022, which also resulted in significant casualties.
NEXT STEPS: Authorities continue to mobilize resources, but with many areas still cut off, the need for international assistance is more urgent than ever. Rescue efforts are ongoing, and the world watches closely as Afghanistan grapples with the aftermath of this catastrophic series of earthquakes.
Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops.
