Catastrophic death toll of over 300 in Afghanistan due to a 6.0 magnitude earthquake
In the early hours of Monday, 7th October 2023, a powerful earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan, near the Pakistan border. The epicentre of the 6.0 magnitude quake was 27km east-northeast of the city of Jalalabad in Nangarhar province, and it occurred at a depth of 8km.
Jalalabad, a bustling trade city with a population of about 300,000, was not spared from the earthquake. The city, which is home to the Kabul River, has considerable agriculture and farming, including citrus fruit and rice. Many buildings in Jalalabad, particularly in outlying areas, are of poor construction, and this has likely contributed to the damage caused by the quake.
The disaster has had a devastating impact on several nearby villages, with at least some being completely destroyed. According to reports from the Kunar Disaster Management Authority, at least 610 people have been killed and over 1300 injured in the earthquake. The death toll and number of injuries are expected to change as more reports come in.
In the affected areas, rescue operations are still ongoing, with medical teams from Kunar, Nangarhar, and Kabul having arrived to provide aid. The Kunar province has reported at least 250 deaths and 500 injuries in certain districts. In Nangarhar, at least 12 people died and hundreds were injured.
In response to the disaster, several organizations have pledged aid for the victims. The German Red Cross (DRK) is supporting a project by the Turkish Red Crescent in cooperation with the Afghan Red Crescent. The European Union has pledged one million euros and sent 130 tons of supplies. The United Nations has released five million dollars in emergency funds and is planning an international aid appeal. The German Agency for Technical Cooperation (DAHW) is currently assessing urgent needs and planning to provide food, water, shelter, medical aid, and psychosocial support.
It is worth noting that shallower quakes tend to cause more damage. The earthquake in eastern Afghanistan is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of many communities in the region, and the importance of ensuring that buildings are constructed to withstand seismic activity.
Our thoughts are with those affected by this tragedy, and we hope for a swift and successful recovery for the people of Afghanistan.
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