A powerful earthquake shook eastern Afghanistan on Sunday night, killing more than 800 people and leaving nearly 3000 people injured. Officials fear the number may go even higher as whole villages are flattened in Kunar province.
The 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck just before midnight near Jalalabad city. Many houses in the area are made of sand and stone, which cannot withstand the heavy earthquake shaking. Survivors say that they woke up towards falling and heard cries for help from neighbours. Roads were blocked by landslides, making it very hard for rescue teams to reach people. Helicopters are flying in supplies, but many families are still awaiting help.
Hospitals Overwhelmed, And Families Searching
Hospitals in Jalalabad and nearby towns are full of injured people, many with broken bones and head injuries. The doctor said hundreds survived in one night and struggled to treat everyone. Relatives rushed into crowded wards, looking for loved ones. People in villages describe the night affair. After the big earthquake, smaller tremors continued, and families were too afraid to get inside their homes. Some people slept out in the open under the sky.
Calls For Help and Global Aid
The Taliban government has appealed for international aid, saying the disaster is too big to handle alone. They admitted that many people are still trapped in trouble and rescue will take a lot of days. Afghanistan was already facing hunger and economic troubles, which makes recovery even harder now. The United Nations and eight groups are preparing emergency relief, but blocked roads and poor communication are slowing down the work. The earthquake was shallow, about 8 km deep, which explains why it caused so much destruction. Tremors were even felt in Kabul and across the border in Pakistan.
FAQs
- Where did the earthquake strike in Afghanistan?
It hit near Jalalabad in eastern Afghanistan
- How many people died in the earthquake in Afghanistan?
Officials say more than 800 people have died.
- How many people are injured in the earthquake in Afghanistan?
Around 3000 people are injured.
- How strong was the earthquake in Afghanistan?
The earthquake measured 6.0 in magnitude and was very shallow.
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