Deadly Earthquake Strikes Eastern Afghanistan, Over 250 Confirmed Dead

A powerful earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan late on March 24, 2024, resulting in at least 250 fatalities and injuring over 500 individuals. The quake, registering a magnitude of 6.0, occurred at 11:47 p.m. local time, with its epicenter located approximately 27 kilometers (17 miles) east-northeast of Jalalabad, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The earthquake was recorded at a shallow depth of just 8 kilometers (5 miles), a factor that typically contributes to increased damage and casualties.

The Kunar Disaster Management Authority reported that the most severely affected areas include the districts of Nur Gul, Soki, Watpur, Manogi, and Chapadare. Emergency responders have been deployed to assess the situation and provide assistance to those in need. The scale of destruction is still being evaluated, but local officials fear that the death toll may rise as rescue efforts continue.

In the wake of the disaster, the Afghan government has called for immediate assistance from international agencies. Many homes and infrastructures have been damaged or destroyed, leaving families displaced and in urgent need of shelter and medical care. The earthquake has compounded the humanitarian challenges faced by the region, which has been grappling with ongoing conflict and economic difficulties.

Local residents described the terrifying experience of the quake, with many reporting that they felt the ground shake violently. “I thought the house would collapse,” said one survivor from the Kunar province. “We ran outside in fear, and when we looked back, we saw buildings crumbling.”

The region’s geographical location makes it prone to seismic activity, and this earthquake is one of the deadliest in recent memory. As the situation unfolds, aid organizations are mobilizing resources to provide relief, including food, medical supplies, and temporary shelter for those affected.

The international community has expressed condolences and support for Afghanistan in this time of crisis. Countries and organizations are preparing to offer assistance, though logistical challenges remain due to the remote location of the affected areas.

As recovery efforts begin, the focus will be on helping those who have lost loved ones and providing critical services to the injured. The full extent of the damage and the long-term implications of this earthquake are still being assessed, but it is clear that the road to recovery will be a long and challenging one for the people of eastern Afghanistan.