A new earthquake shook Afghanistan early today at 3:16 AM, marking the third earthquake in the past 24 hours. This latest earthquake measured 4.9 in magnitude. This event follows earthquakes of 5.8 and 4.8 magnitudes. The tragic death toll from the August 31st, 6.0 magnitude earthquake in Kunar province has now risen to over 2200.
The increasing number of fatalities comes after the recovery of hundreds of bodies from the destroyed homes. The Taliban government confirmed the rising death toll on Thursday.
The 6.0 magnitude earthquake on Sunday, August 31st, resulted in widespread devastation across multiple provinces. Numerous villages were destroyed, with people buried under the debris of homes constructed from mud, raw bricks, and wood. The greatest losses were suffered in Kunar, where communities are located in valleys amidst mountainous terrain.
Rescue and search operations continue, with tents and essential medical attention provided to those affected. The distribution of aid is also underway. Challenges such as poor infrastructure and resource limitations are hindering the rescue and relief efforts, and aid organizations are seeking further assistance from various countries.
The earthquake’s epicenter was 27 kilometers from Jalalabad, Afghanistan’s fifth-largest city, at a depth of roughly 10 kilometers. Homes built from mud and stone were destroyed. The tremors were felt as far as Islamabad, Pakistan, approximately 400 kilometers away. Remote mountainous areas with poor mobile signal coverage and blocked roads due to landslides were heavily impacted.