By Admin • Mon Sep 01 2025
Kabul,— A powerful 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan late Sunday night, killing at least nine people and injuring more than 25 others, according to local authorities. The tremor, centered near Jalalabad in Nangarhar Province, occurred around 11:47 p.m. local time and was felt across large parts of Afghanistan and neighboring Pakistan.
The quake’s epicenter was located approximately 27 kilometers east-northeast of Jalalabad, at a shallow depth of around 8–10 kilometers. Shallow earthquakes are often more destructive, and initial reports suggest widespread structural damage in villages across Nangarhar and Kunar provinces.
Residents described scenes of panic as homes shook violently and families rushed outdoors in the middle of the night. In Jalalabad city, several buildings developed cracks, while in rural areas, mud houses collapsed, trapping residents beneath the debris.
Emergency response teams have been deployed to the affected districts, though officials say rescue efforts are being hampered by blocked roads and rugged terrain. Health workers are treating the injured at local hospitals, while authorities fear the casualty toll may rise as more information emerges from remote areas.
Adding to concerns, a 4.5-magnitude aftershock was recorded shortly after the main quake, spreading further fear among residents and complicating relief operations.
The tremors were also felt in northwestern Pakistan, including Peshawar and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, though no major damage was reported there.
Afghanistan, located in a seismically active zone, frequently experiences destructive earthquakes. In 2022, a powerful quake in Paktika province killed over 1,000 people, highlighting the country’s vulnerability due to fragile infrastructure and limited emergency services.
Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious and stay in open spaces as aftershocks continue. Relief efforts are ongoing, with humanitarian agencies monitoring the situation closely.