Afghanistan: At Least 800 Dead After Earthquake

At least 800 people have died and over 2,700 were injured after a magnitude 6 earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan. The Taliban government announced that at least five strong aftershocks have been recorded.

The epicenter of the earthquake was located 27 kilometers from Jalalabad, in the Nangarhar province. Most fatalities were recorded in the Kunar province.

Taliban authorities are sending helicopters with rescuers to the area. According to the Afghan Ministry of Defense, 40 flights have been carried out to transport aid.

Since 2021, the Taliban have faced another devastating earthquake in 2023 in Herat. According to the Ministry of Health, three villages were leveled in the Kunar province.

The UN has expressed its sorrow and is offering emergency assistance. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his solidarity with the Afghan people.