Series of Quakes Rock Afghanistan
KABUL : Afghanistan witnessed a terrifying wave of seismic activity as six earthquakes struck within 24 hours, shaking provinces near the Hindukush mountain range close to the Pakistan border. According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), three back-to-back tremors hit on Friday morning, measuring 4.9, 5.2, and 4.6 in magnitude.
The first Friday tremor struck at 3:16 am IST with a magnitude of 4.9 at a depth of 120 km (34.57°N, 70.42°E). These quakes followed a series of jolts recorded late Thursday night.
At 10:26 pm, a 5.8-magnitude earthquake rattled the region, followed by a 4.1-magnitude tremor at 11:58 pm, both with depths of 160 km and 90 km respectively. Earlier Thursday, a 4.8-magnitude shock had also been recorded.
Separately, the US Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed a 5.6-magnitude quake on Thursday evening, centred 14 km east of Jalalabad, Nangarhar province, at a shallow depth of 10 km.
Death Toll and Injuries Rising
So far, there are no reports of casualties from the latest series of tremors. However, recent earthquakes across eastern Afghanistan have already claimed over 2,000 lives and injured more than 3,000 people. The worst-hit regions include Kunar and Nangarhar provinces, where widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure has left thousands displaced.
Emergency teams continue to search for survivors under collapsed buildings, while aftershocks have raised fears of further damage. Officials warn that rescue operations are hampered by poor connectivity and difficult terrain in quake-stricken areas.
Global Aid Reaches Quake-Hit Provinces
Humanitarian organizations have mobilized quickly to deliver relief. The World Food Programme (WFP) has already sent emergency aid to Kunar and Nangarhar, delivering high-energy biscuits and food supplies. Additional shipments are planned to carry more relief materials and personnel.
India has also extended strong support. On Tuesday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced that 21 tonnes of earthquake relief assistance reached Kabul by air. The supplies included:
- Blankets, tents, and sleeping bags.
- Hygiene kits and portable water purifiers.
- Kitchen utensils, generators, and water storage tanks.
- Essential medicines, wheelchairs, and sanitizers.
Jaishankar posted on X that India remains committed to standing with the Afghan people during this humanitarian crisis.
International Concerns and Ongoing Risks
Experts warn that Afghanistan lies in a high seismic risk zone, making it prone to recurrent earthquakes. The Hindukush range, located along tectonic fault lines, often records deep and shallow quakes, both capable of inflicting severe damage.
Moreover, Afghanistan’s fragile infrastructure, compounded by decades of conflict and limited disaster preparedness, has magnified the devastation. Relief groups stress the urgent need for stronger international cooperation to rebuild homes, hospitals, and schools in the region.
The latest quakes serve as a grim reminder of the country’s vulnerability, highlighting the necessity of long-term investments in disaster management.
Outlook for Relief and Recovery
Rescue teams continue to face challenges in reaching remote villages due to damaged roads and disrupted communications. Humanitarian agencies are urging for more international funding, as thousands remain without shelter, food, or medical aid.
While immediate aid is arriving, rebuilding lives and communities will require sustained global support. With the death toll already surpassing 2,000, Afghanistan faces one of its worst earthquake disasters in years.