A 6.0-magnitude earthquake hit eastern Afghanistan late on August 31. The epicenter was in Kuz Kunar District, Nangarhar, about 27 kilometers from Jalalabad. The quake struck at a depth of 8 to 10 kilometers. People felt strong tremors in Kabul, Peshawar, Islamabad, Lahore, and even Delhi. Whole villages collapsed in Kunar and Nangarhar. Landslides and heavy rains blocked roads and slowed rescue teams.
Officials reported 1,124 dead and more than 3,500 injured by September 2. Kunar province suffered the highest loss, with hundreds of homes destroyed. In Nangarhar and Laghman, families lost homes and livestock. People in Kabul fled buildings during aftershocks. Aid groups warned that the number could rise as teams reach remote valleys.
Afghanistan Earthquake: Taliban Leaders Ask for Aid
The Taliban asked the world for urgent support. Health ministry spokesperson Sharafat Zaman asked for ambulances, doctors, and medical supplies. Zabihullah Mujahid said politics should not block aid for victims. The foreign ministry confirmed requests to China, Iran, and Russia. Disaster officials asked for helicopters, field hospitals, and heavy machines to clear rubble.
The United Kingdom pledged one million pounds for emergency aid through UNFPA and the Red Cross. India sent 1,000 tents and 15 metric tons of food. China promised help according to Afghanistan’s needs. Iran announced medical support. The European Union and Japan also promised assistance. The United States offered condolences but no aid so far. UN teams and the Red Crescent continue to deliver relief, but funding for Afghanistan has dropped sharply.
Taliban helicopters moved the injured to Jalalabad and Kabul. The Afghan Red Crescent set up camps and collected blood donations. Still, officials said they cannot manage without outside help. More than 22 million Afghans already need humanitarian aid. Over half the population lives on less than one dollar a day.
