Powerful Earthquake Strikes Afghanistan

Catastrophic Earthquake Strikes Afghanistan

In the early hours of yesterday morning, a powerful earthquake struck the mountainous province of Kunar in Afghanistan. According to the latest reports, at least 250 people have died and around 500 have been injured in the disaster.

The earthquake, which was reported to be of 6.0 magnitude by the US Geological Survey, was followed by two aftershocks, a 4.5 magnitude and a 5.2 magnitude, both occurring at a depth of 10 kilometers. The remote and poorly accessible areas of the affected regions have made precise reports difficult, but it is known that hundreds of injured individuals have been taken to hospitals in the area.

Rescue teams are working tirelessly to search for survivors in the rubble, and relief teams from the capital and local authorities are on their way to the affected provinces. However, the challenging terrain and limited international support have complicated rescue efforts, and it is expected that the number of dead and injured will rise as reports from the poorly accessible areas come in.

The earthquake has caused financial damage in the affected provinces, according to the Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid. Last year, a series of earthquakes in the west of the country killed more than 1,000 people, highlighting how one of the world's poorest countries is vulnerable to natural disasters.

The disaster in Kunar is not the only loss of life in Afghanistan. At least two children have died in the province of Nangarhar due to the collapse of their house, and at least 30 deaths have been reported in one village alone in a different area.

The earthquake was felt in Kabul, Islamabad, and even as far as Istanbul, reminding us of the far-reaching impact of such natural disasters. As rescue operations continue, the international community is urged to provide support to Afghanistan in its time of need.