Magnitude 5.4 Earthquake Strikes Afghanistan Causing Deaths

Post by : Mumtaaz Qadiri

Southeastern Afghanistan has been hit by a series of powerful earthquakes, leaving widespread destruction and a growing humanitarian crisis. The most recent tremor on Friday had a magnitude of 5.4, occurring at a depth of 10 kilometers. This comes just a day after a stronger 6.2-magnitude earthquake shook the same region, also at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers.

These repeated earthquakes have compounded the challenges faced by residents of the mountainous region. Buildings, many of which were not built to withstand seismic activity, have collapsed. Families have lost their homes, and communities are struggling to cope with the devastation.

Casualties and Damage From the Major Earthquake

The magnitude-6.0 earthquake that struck the eastern region of Afghanistan late Sunday has been particularly catastrophic. In Kunar province, the hardest-hit area, at least 2,205 people have lost their lives, and 3,640 others have been injured. Neighboring provinces such as Nangarhar and Laghman have also reported additional fatalities and hundreds of injuries.

Villages in remote mountainous areas have been flattened. Many people remain trapped under rubble, making rescue operations urgent but extremely difficult. The repeated aftershocks have made the terrain unstable, increasing the risk for rescue workers and residents trying to flee damaged buildings.

Tremors Felt in Nearby Regions

The earthquakes have not only affected Afghanistan but have also been strongly felt in neighboring countries. Parts of Delhi NCR and Jammu and Kashmir reported shaking buildings, which caused panic among residents. People rushed outdoors as a precaution, fearing the potential for further tremors.

Even at this distance, the earthquakes serve as a reminder of the scale and power of the seismic events affecting the region. The shallow depth of the earthquakes amplified their impact, causing widespread destruction even in nearby border areas.

Challenges in Reaching Affected Areas

Efforts to reach the worst-hit areas have been severely hampered by poor road conditions. Landslides and rockfalls triggered by repeated aftershocks have blocked major routes, making it difficult for rescue teams to access remote villages.

Rescue operations have required the deployment of both local authorities and volunteers. Soldiers and emergency responders are working tirelessly to reach trapped survivors. However, the combination of rough terrain, damaged infrastructure, and ongoing aftershocks has slowed the delivery of aid.

Humanitarian Response Underway

Initial aid shipments have begun arriving in the affected areas. Food supplies, high-energy biscuits, and essential items are being distributed to survivors. Additional flights are scheduled to bring more relief personnel and supplies to communities struggling to recover from the disaster.

Many of the communities affected by the earthquakes were already facing hardship after recent flash floods. The new tremors and worsening weather conditions threaten to worsen the humanitarian crisis. Relief organizations are working to ensure that essential aid reaches those most in need.

Voices From the Ground

Local authorities and relief coordinators have described the devastation as overwhelming. Roads have been destroyed, homes have turned to rubble, and landslides are widespread. Lives have been tragically lost, and many families have been displaced.

Harald Mannhardt, a regional humanitarian director, said, “Homes reduced to rubble, roads destroyed, landslides everywhere, and tragically, lives lost.” He emphasized the urgent need for continued support to address both immediate survival needs and longer-term recovery.

Ongoing Aftershocks and Safety Measures

The repeated earthquakes in the region have created an environment of fear and uncertainty. Aftershocks continue to shake already damaged areas, making it unsafe for residents to return home. Authorities are urging people to stay in open spaces and avoid entering structurally compromised buildings.

Communities are being warned about the potential for further landslides and the risks of traveling through mountainous areas. Safety awareness campaigns are being conducted to minimize additional casualties.

Coordination Between Local and National Authorities

Government authorities, local leaders, and volunteers are coordinating rescue and relief efforts to save as many lives as possible. Emergency shelters have been established for displaced families, and medical teams are on standby to treat injured individuals.

Efforts are also being made to repair critical infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, to allow aid to reach affected communities faster. This coordination is vital for improving response times and ensuring that relief reaches those in the most isolated locations.

International Attention and Support

The devastating earthquakes in Afghanistan have drawn international attention. Aid organizations and humanitarian agencies are closely monitoring the situation to provide technical and logistical support. Relief assistance includes not only food and water but also medical aid, temporary shelters, and psychological support for traumatized survivors.

Coordination between international and local agencies is crucial for efficient distribution of aid and effective management of resources. These efforts aim to prevent a secondary crisis caused by disease, lack of clean water, or insufficient food supply.

Long-Term Recovery Challenges

The path to recovery in southeastern Afghanistan will be long and difficult. Rebuilding homes, schools, hospitals, and infrastructure will require extensive planning and resources. Many communities may face displacement for months or even years while reconstruction takes place.

Authorities are also emphasizing the need to strengthen infrastructure and enforce earthquake-resistant building codes to reduce the impact of future seismic events. Long-term planning must consider both immediate humanitarian needs and sustainable reconstruction to ensure community resilience.

Community Response and Solidarity

Despite the devastation, local communities have shown remarkable resilience. Neighbors, families, and volunteers are assisting each other, digging through rubble, and helping transport the injured. Their cooperation has been critical in reaching survivors before the arrival of formal relief teams.

Community solidarity is essential in times of crisis, providing emotional support and practical help for those who have lost homes, loved ones, and livelihoods.

The series of earthquakes in southeastern Afghanistan has caused massive loss of life, injuries, and destruction. Rescue operations are ongoing under challenging conditions due to landslides, aftershocks, and difficult terrain.

Immediate relief efforts include the distribution of food, medical supplies, and shelter, while longer-term recovery plans focus on rebuilding infrastructure, providing safe housing, and strengthening disaster preparedness. The events highlight the vulnerability of remote regions to natural disasters and the critical importance of coordinated humanitarian response.

The people of Afghanistan continue to show resilience in the face of tragedy, and both local and international communities are mobilizing to support survivors in the aftermath of these devastating earthquakes.

Afghanistan earthquake disaster, earthquake relief efforts, mountain village destruction