Devastating Earthquake Strikes Eastern Afghanistan

Eastern Afghanistan was rocked by a deadly series of earthquakes, leaving communities shattered and international aid desperately needed. According to Taliban officials, the initial 6.0-magnitude quake struck on Sunday night, flattening villages in the remote, mountainous provinces of Kunar and Nangarhar .

Residents in Afghanistan's affected region stand amid damaged homes, showing courage and hope after the earthquake.

This was followed by a second tremor earlier in the week, which further hindered rescue efforts by triggering landslides and blocking vital roads. Then, on Thursday, a third earthquake measuring 6.2 magnitude struck southeastern Afghanistan, marking a harrowing escalation in the disaster .

As of now, official figures confirm at least 2,205 people have lost their lives, with many more injured—estimates indicate nearly 3,640 injured individuals . The destruction has been extensive: an estimated 98% of homes in parts of Kunar have been destroyed or severely damaged, leaving tens of thousands homeless .

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

Communities in Kunar and neighboring provinces are grappling with an overwhelming crisis—there are dire shortages of food, shelter, clean water, and medical care. Many survivors are staying in overcrowded makeshift camps such as one in Nurgal district, which is ill-equipped to meet basic needs .

The situation is further complicated by Afghanistan’s harsh terrain: steep river valleys and mountain paths make delivering aid slow and dangerous. Adding to the challenge, many international aid agencies have significantly reduced staff and funding since 2021, leaving relief operations severely under-resourced .

Global Response & Diplomatic Outreach

Obstacles remain: roads are compromised by landslides, and aftershocks continue to terrify survivors. As of today, there are ongoing rescue operations to recover those still trapped under the rubble .

Humanitarian organizations and governments are responding with urgency:

The Norwegian Refugee Council reports its emergency funding has dwindled, with only $100,000 available—far short of the estimated $2 million needed for immediate relief .

In a notable diplomatic act, Qatar’s Minister Maryam Al Misnad became the first female minister to visit Taliban-controlled Afghanistan since their return to power in 2021. She delivered critical humanitarian aid in Kabul, signaling renewed international engagement .

With aid agencies warning that time is running out, the call for global assistance has become increasingly urgent. The combination of drought, economic struggles, and the recent return of more than 2 million Afghan refugees only heightens the emergency .