Powerful earthquake rocks eastern Afghanistan, 250 dead, over 500 injured

A powerful earthquake rocked Afghanistan’s Kunar province late last night, leaving a trail of destruction. Initial reports confirm at least 250 people dead and over 500 injured, with fears that the toll may rise as rescue efforts continue.

According to Afghan media outlet TOLO News, the 6.0-magnitude quake struck 8 kilometers beneath Jalalabad in the Nangahar province, followed by five aftershocks measuring between 4.3 and 5.2.

The Afghan National Disaster Management Authority reported that the worst-hit districts include Nurgal, Sawakai, Watapur, Manogi, and Chapa Dara, where entire villages have been buried under debris. Authorities fear hundreds remain trapped.

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Rescue operations are underway, with teams from the defense, interior, and health ministries rushing to the affected areas. The injured were airlifted by helicopters to Nangarhar Regional Hospital.

Government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid directed all departments to mobilise every available resource to save lives.

The tremors were also felt in Nangarhar, Laghman, Kabul, and even across the border in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.