Hundreds feared killed in Afghan earthquake: What to know
Hundreds of people are feared killed in a strong earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan late on Sunday, according to reports citing local authorities.
The magnitude 6.0 temblor hit 16 miles east of Jalabad in Afghanistan’s Kunar province at a depth of 5 miles, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, which has recorded at least five aftershocks registering at least 5.0 in magnitude.
Why It Matters
The disaster underscores Afghanistan’s vulnerability to natural catastrophes, compounding existing humanitarian challenges. The country under Taliban Islamic rule continues to grapple with limited resources, economic sanctions, and reduced international aid. Earthquakes are not uncommon in Afghanistan, but the scale of destruction makes each event catastrophic for local communities already facing hardship.
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What to Know
The powerful earthquake struck northeast Afghanistan overnight, raising fears that the death toll could reach hundreds, with thousands more injured. Taliban state media reported at least 250 fatalities, although these figures have not been independently verified.
The tremor hit shortly before midnight outside the city of Jalalabad, the capital of Nangarhar province, near the border with Pakistan. The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed the magnitude at 6.0. After the initial quake, several aftershocks followed, including two measuring 5.2.
Taliban Officials Confirm Heavy Losses
In a post on social media, Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Taliban government, acknowledged the scale of destruction, saying there had been both fatalities and property damage in eastern provinces.
Sadly, tonight’s earthquake has caused loss of life and property damage in some of our eastern provinces.
Local officials and residents are currently engaged in rescue efforts for the affected people.
Support teams from the center and nearby provinces are also on their way,— Zabihullah (..ذبـــــیح الله م ) (@Zabehulah_M33) August 31, 2025
Aid Groups Report Widespread Damage
The Afghan Red Crescent confirmed that the quake caused “both human casualties and significant financial losses to local communities.” The United Nations mission in Afghanistan added that “hundreds of lives” had been lost, with teams mobilized to deliver emergency assistance and life-saving support.
Comparisons to Past Disasters
The quake comes less than a year after a 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan‘s Herat province in October 2023. That disaster killed more than 1,400 people, according to the World Health Organization, though Taliban officials placed the death toll at more than 4,000.
What Happens Next
Rescue efforts continue in the quake-hit areas, but the response is complicated by Afghanistan’s economic isolation and limited emergency resources. Humanitarian agencies are preparing for a prolonged relief operation as the death toll is expected to rise.
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This is a developing story. Updates to follow.
