Severe Earthquake near Jalalabad Triggers Wave of Destruction, Claiming Hundreds of Lives and Causing Widespread Damage

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Devastating Earthquake Strikes Afghanistan: Hundreds Feared Dead

A major earthquake has rocked western Afghanistan, triggering a frantic race against time to rescue survivors trapped beneath the rubble. The disaster, which struck on Saturday, has left more than 1,000 people feared deceased, and the number is expected to rise as rescue teams reach remote areas.

The Scope of the Disaster

The hardest-hit region appears to be the Nurgal district, where reports indicate entire villages have been leveled.Residents describe scenes of unimaginable devastation,with homes collapsing and citizens desperately pleading for assistance. “Children are under the rubble.The elderly are under the rubble. Young people are under the rubble,” a resident of Nurgal recounted, reflecting the widespread despair.

Hospitals in the affected provinces are reportedly overwhelmed, struggling to cope with the influx of casualties. Doctors are treating patients in corridors and outdoor spaces, and morgues have reached full capacity, with “vans filled with bodies” continuously arriving.

Challenges Facing Rescue Efforts

The mountainous terrain of eastern Afghanistan and limited infrastructure are considerably hindering rescue operations. Communication lines are down in many areas, making it tough to assess the full extent of the damage and coordinate relief efforts. The earthquake’s shallow depth, just 8 kilometers, amplified it’s destructive power.

As of today, september 1st, 2025, no foreign governments have offered direct support for rescue or relief work, according to a spokesperson from the foreign office. Military rescue teams are actively working in the affected provinces,having already transported over 420 wounded and deceased individuals by air.

Afghanistan’s Earthquake History

Afghanistan is situated in a highly seismically active zone, lying at the intersection of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. This geological setting makes the country especially vulnerable to earthquakes. A similar disaster in June 2022 claimed the lives of at least 1,000 people,highlighting the recurring threat.

Earthquake Event	Date	Estimated deaths
Recent earthquake	September 1st, 2025	1,000+ (estimated)
June 2022 Earthquake	June 2022	1,000+

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

This earthquake exacerbates the already dire humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, which is grappling with a decline in international assistance and a growing number of citizens displaced from neighboring countries. The scale of the disaster poses a notable challenge to the nation’s limited resources and infrastructure.

Did you know? Afghanistan ranks among the countries most vulnerable to natural disasters, compounded by decades of conflict and economic hardship.

Pro Tip: In the event of an earthquake, prioritize personal safety. Drop, cover, and hold on until the shaking stops.

Understanding Earthquake Risks in Afghanistan

The Hindu Kush region, where Afghanistan is located, experiences frequent seismic activity due to the ongoing collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. This collision generates immense stress within the Earth’s crust, which is periodically released in the form of earthquakes. The shallow depth of the recent quake significantly increased its intensity and the extent of damage. Preparing for such events requires investment in earthquake-resistant infrastructure, early warning systems, and community education programs.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Afghanistan Earthquake