Earthquake in Afghanistan leaves nine dead and multiple injured
A series of powerful earthquakes shook eastern Afghanistan on the night of October 7, 2023, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The epicenter of the devastating seismic activity was near Jalalabad, the capital city of Nangarhar province.
The initial earthquake, with a magnitude of 6.0, occurred at 11.47pm local time in Afghanistan (8.17pm UK time on Sunday), according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The epicenter was at a depth of 14km (8.7 miles), as reported by the German Research Centre for Geosciences.
Just 20 minutes after the initial earthquake, a second earthquake with a magnitude of 4.5 struck Nangarhar province. This earthquake had a depth of 10km (6.2 miles), similar to the depth of the third earthquake that followed, which registered a magnitude of 5.2.
The Taliban government reported that at least 4,000 people were killed in the earthquake series, while the United Nations estimated the death toll to be around 1,500. At least nine people were confirmed dead, and over 25 were injured, according to initial reports.
Jalalabad is approximately 119km (74 miles) away from Kabul, the capital city of Afghanistan. The earthquake struck near the Pakistan border, causing concern for the safety and well-being of people in the region.
The German Research Centre for Geosciences reported the earthquake series, including the second and third earthquakes. The series is considered the deadliest natural disaster to have occurred in Afghanistan in recent memory.
As rescue efforts continue, the international community is rallying to provide aid and support to the affected areas. The Afghan government and humanitarian organisations are working tirelessly to assess the damage and provide much-needed assistance to those in need.
