6.0 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Eastern Afghanistan: 800+ Dead, Thousands Injured

Devastating 6.0 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Eastern Afghanistan: Over 800 Dead and Thousands Injured

On the night of 31 August 2025, at 11:47 PM local time, a powerful 6.0 magnitude earthquake shook eastern Afghanistan near the border with Pakistan. The epicenter was located in the Hindu Kush region, approximately 17 miles east-northeast of Jalalabad, the capital of Nangarhar Province. Tremors were felt across several provinces, including Kunar, Nangarhar, and Laghman, and even in Pakistan (Islamabad and Lahore), where only mild shaking was reported.

As of 1 September 2025, the earthquake has claimed over 800 lives and left more than 2,800 people injured. The heaviest losses occurred in Kunar Province, where entire villages have been destroyed, while Nangarhar Province also suffered significant damage with dozens of fatalities and hundreds more injured. The earthquake's shallow depth of 8 kilometers (5 miles) contributed to extensive destruction, collapsing buildings and infrastructure.

The most affected areas in Kunar include Nurgal, Sholt, Arit, Mamagal, and Wadir districts, where homes made of mud and stone crumbled under the force of the quake. Many residents were trapped under debris, requiring urgent rescue. In Nangarhar, roads were blocked due to landslides triggered by the tremor, complicating relief operations and slowing emergency response.

Local authorities, along with international aid organizations, have mobilized quickly to assist the affected population. Helicopters have been deployed to transport the injured to medical facilities, and search-and-rescue teams are tirelessly working to locate survivors. Aftershocks and the region’s mountainous terrain continue to challenge relief efforts.

The earthquake’s impact extends beyond human casualties. Entire villages have been reduced to rubble, agricultural lands damaged, and infrastructure severely affected. Immediate relief measures, including food, water, medical aid, and temporary shelter, are being provided by humanitarian agencies. The region faces a long recovery process, requiring both local and international support to rebuild homes and restore essential services.

In Pakistan, the earthquake was only felt as mild shaking, with no reported casualties or damage. Residents reported the tremors but were largely safe, as the epicenter was across the border in Afghanistan.

This devastating event marks one of the most severe earthquakes in eastern Afghanistan in recent years. With over 800 confirmed deaths and thousands injured, the scale of destruction emphasizes the urgent need for continued emergency response and support. International and local agencies remain focused on providing immediate assistance and long-term aid to help affected communities recover and rebuild.