Death Toll in Afghanistan Earthquake Rises to Over 800

Addis Ababa, September 1, 2025 (FMC) — The death toll from the devastating 6.0-magnitude earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan has risen to over 800, with more than 2,500 people reported injured, authorities confirmed on Monday.

The quake, which struck near the border with Pakistan, devastated several villages in Kunar province, including Nur Gul, Soki, Watpur, and Manogi. The shallow depth of the earthquake, just 10 kilometers, and the region’s mountainous terrain have worsened the destruction and hampered rescue operations. The tremors were felt as far away as Islamabad, Pakistan, over 300 kilometers from the epicenter.

Local hospitals are overwhelmed, and emergency services are stretched thin. Many injured victims are receiving treatment under challenging conditions, while entire villages have been buried under rubble. Survivors describe scenes of devastation, with families trapped and homes reduced to debris.

International aid agencies, including the United Nations and the Afghan Red Crescent, have mobilized to provide urgent assistance. Helicopters and rescue teams have been deployed to assist affected communities, but logistical challenges persist due to the region’s remote location and damaged infrastructure.

The disaster underscores the vulnerability of Afghanistan’s remote communities to natural disasters and the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness and response mechanisms.