Powerful Earthquake Devastates Eastern Afghanistan, Hundreds Dead

KABUL, Sept. 1, 2025, A powerful 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan late Sunday, killing at least 812 people and leaving thousands injured, according to local authorities.

The quake, which hit just before midnight near the Pakistan border, was centered about 17 miles east of Jalalabad, the U.S. Geological Survey reported. Entire villages in Kunar Province were flattened, with officials confirming more than 800 deaths and 2,500 injuries in the area. Another 12 people were killed and 255 injured in neighboring Nangarhar Province.

Taliban officials warned the toll could rise as rescue teams struggle to reach remote communities where many remain trapped under rubble. “Several villages in Nurgal district have been almost completely destroyed,” said Afghanistan’s health minister, listing Sholt, Arit, Mamagal, and Wadir among the worst-hit settlements.

The United Nations mission in Afghanistan expressed condolences, calling the disaster “devastating” and pledging support.

Afghanistan has suffered repeated deadly quakes in recent years, including a 5.9-magnitude tremor in June 2022 and a 6.3-magnitude quake in October 2023, each killing more than 1,000 people.

Relief teams and medical staff have been dispatched from surrounding provinces as emergency evacuations and rescue operations continue.