Islamabad – Eastern Afghanistan was rocked by an earthquake with a powerful and deadly impact last night, creating a trail of destruction, killing at least 800, and injuring thousands of others.
The resulting earthquake that caused severe tremors on the border with Pakistan resulted in a swift reaction from both governments.
Spokesman of the Islamic Emirate, Mawlawi Zabihullah Mujahid, said in a press conference that the earthquake had killed 800 people in the province of Kunar alone and injured 2,500 more.
He warned that these are just provisional figures, and the number of victims is likely to increase with the ongoing rescue efforts in remote and hard-to-access localities. The destruction is immense, and villages are reported to have been totally flattened.
Rescue Operations Underway
Against the backdrop of the commotion, a mega rescue and relief campaign has been initiated in the hit Afghan provinces. In one of the major logistic operations, hundreds of injured people are flown out of Nangarhar to Kunar to get their injuries treated.
Till now, 35 flights have been operating between Nangarhar Airport and Kunar to deliver 335 casualties and attempts to deliver more casualties are still ongoing.
Alhaj Mullah Nooruddin Turabi, the head of the National Disaster Management Authority, has flown by helicopter to the worst-hit parts of Kunar to lead the relief efforts on the ground.
A well-prepared team and supplies are with him to offer immediate help to the victims. The organization of these rescue operations is vital since the affected districts, some of which are mountainous and remote, are in great trouble.
In addition, the Afghan Red Crescent Society said it had deployed emergency teams to deliver “immediate relief” and conduct both aerial and field assessments, with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies supporting the response.
Pakistan Extends Condolences and Offers Aid
In a gesture of solidarity, the Government and people of Pakistan have expressed their profound sorrow over the tragic event. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took to social media to express his grief.
In a heartfelt message, he stated he was “deeply saddened by the devastating earthquake in eastern Afghanistan, which shook Kabul & was also felt in various parts of Pakistan, including Islamabad.” He noted reports confirming the loss of “hundreds of precious human lives” and the destruction of villages, saying, “our hearts go out to the victims and their families.”
The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support, declaring, “We stand in solidarity with our Afghan brothers & sisters in this hour of grief, and we are ready to extend all possible support in this regard.”
A statement issued by the Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Ishaq Dar, conveyed “our deepest condolences to the brotherly people and Government of Afghanistan for the tragic loss of precious lives caused by the devastating earthquake.”
The statement added that Pakistan’s “hearts go out to the families and communities affected by this calamity,” and prayers were offered for the swift recovery of those injured and for strength to all those impacted.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Afghanistan, Muhammad Sadiq, also conveyed sympathy, saying Pakistan “offers sincerest condolences to the people of Afghanistan” and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.
Widespread Impact Across Borders
The tremors of the earthquake were felt over a huge territory, even in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad. Although the magnitude of the destruction is yet to be determined, early reports by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) in Pakistan show that there is no loss of life or property yet.
Although there have not yet been any official reports of damage, Pakistani authorities have been put on high alert and are ready to take action should a situation arise.
International Community Offers Condolences and Support
The tragedy has led to an international outpouring of sympathy and assistance. Zamir Kabulov, the former Russian ambassador to Afghanistan, offered his sincere condolences in an exclusive with HTN after the quake.
The Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, was very saddened by the loss of lives. In a post on X, he expressed his sympathies to families that lost people and said India is willing to provide all potential humanitarian support and relief to the affected people.
The European Union has also shown commitment by confirming that the EU is ready to offer humanitarian aid to help with the most pressing demands.
As a sign of regional unity, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian sent his condolences to the “friendly and brotherly country of Afghanistan” and declared that his country was willing to offer any emergency and medical services.
The President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, expressed his heartfelt condolences regarding the loss of life and property and expressed Turkish solidarity with the people of Afghanistan.
The United Nations teams on the ground in Afghanistan have also been mobilized to provide emergency aid and lifesaving support. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres showed full solidarity and said the UN would do nothing to help the needy in the affected regions.
US Reaction Without Aid Pledge
The US State Department’s Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs said: “We were saddened to hear of the deadly earthquake that struck the eastern region of Afghanistan on August 31, resulting in a significant loss of life. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Afghan people during this difficult time.” The post contained no mention of assistance.
Countries and Organisations Offering Support
China’s foreign ministry said it was ready to provide disaster relief “according to Afghanistan’s needs and within its capacity.”
India announced it had delivered 1,000 family tents to Kabul and was moving 15 tonnes of food to Kunar, with further supplies to follow.
Switzerland said it was preparing to provide support through its humanitarian aid office in Kabul, while the United Arab Emirates (UAE) dispatched urgent relief, including medical supplies, food and shelter.
Humanitarian Concerns and Calls for Aid
Refugee Rights Watch Global expressed “deepest sorrow and solidarity” with Afghanistan, calling for urgent medical, food, water and psychosocial assistance, and urging the international community to “mobilise disaster relief without delay.”
The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warned the quake posed risks to agriculture and food security. “Agriculture & food security are under threat. FAO is on the ground assessing the situation & stepping up to support affected communities,” it said, estimating that more than 39,000 sq km of wheat cultivation and 1.38 million livestock were affected.
Funding Shortfalls
Aid groups warned that dwindling international funding for Afghanistan is hampering the relief response. Kate Carey, deputy head of the UN humanitarian office in Afghanistan, told Reuters: “The actual delivery of response has been badly hit by the funding cuts this year, but also the number of people we have on the ground is much less than we would have had six months ago.”
Sports and Public Solidarity
In Sharjah, players from Afghanistan and the UAE observed a minute of silence before their cricket match. Former Afghanistan captain Mohammad Nabi also appealed for donations to assist quake victims.
UN Agencies Respond
The World Food Programme said it is delivering food to quake-hit areas and coordinating logistics with other humanitarian organisations.
Scope of the Quake
According to the US Geological Survey, more than 1.2 million people likely felt strong shaking from the quake and its aftershocks. Pakistan’s seismology centre confirmed at least nine aftershocks since the initial tremor, warning they could continue for two days.
