Eastern Afghanistan Devastated by Earthquake: Hundreds Dead and Injured

A major earthquake hit eastern Afghanistan late Monday night, causing significant casualties and injuries. The seismic event claimed the lives of at least 622 people and injured over 1,300 others. The quake struck at approximately 11:47 pm local time, with its epicenter located near Jalalabad. The earthquake resulted in widespread destruction, particularly in the provinces of Kunar and Nangarhar. Many homes, constructed with mud and stone, were destroyed, with remote villages suffering the most severe damage. Emergency teams are working to reach remote areas, facing challenges in accessing the affected zones. The tremors were felt across several districts, causing panic and structural damage. The earthquake’s shallow depth, combined with the region’s existing infrastructure vulnerabilities, intensified the devastation. Eastern Afghanistan, situated within a seismically active zone, is susceptible to such events. The area’s weak housing and difficult terrain pose challenges for rescue and relief operations. Furthermore, the existing conflict and economic hardships in the region complicate the situation. The earthquake struck a region already grappling with a lack of resources, including a severe water shortage, increasing the suffering. Officials are actively involved in the relief efforts, but the full scope of the disaster will take time to ascertain.