What's happened
On Sunday night, a magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan near Jalalabad, primarily affecting Kunar and Nangarhar provinces. The shallow quake caused extensive destruction, killing at least 812 people and injuring over 2,500. Rescue efforts are hampered by landslides and poor infrastructure. The disaster compounds Afghanistan's ongoing humanitarian crisis amid reduced international aid.
What's behind the headline?
Impact of Shallow Earthquake on Vulnerable Regions
The earthquake's shallow depth of approximately 5 miles intensified its destructive power, particularly in Kunar and Nangarhar provinces where many homes are constructed from mud and wood, lacking resilience against seismic activity. The mountainous terrain further complicates rescue operations, with landslides blocking roads and isolating villages.
Humanitarian Crisis Exacerbated
This disaster strikes a nation already grappling with severe humanitarian challenges, including drought, poverty, and the forced return of millions of refugees. The Taliban government's limited resources, compounded by significant cuts in foreign aid, notably from the US, have left healthcare and emergency services underfunded and ill-equipped.
International Response and Aid Challenges
While countries like Iran and China have expressed readiness to provide aid, the scale of the disaster and logistical difficulties pose significant hurdles. The UN and humanitarian organizations emphasize the urgent need for increased funding and support to prevent further loss of life.
Forecast and Consequences
Given the region's seismic activity, aftershocks remain a serious threat, potentially causing additional casualties and damage. The ongoing instability and lack of infrastructure will likely prolong recovery efforts. Without substantial international assistance, Afghanistan's capacity to manage this and future disasters remains critically compromised.
What the papers say
The Independent's Taz Ali highlights the scale of devastation, noting that "children are under the rubble" and emphasizing the urgent need for aid amid difficult terrain and landslides. Al Jazeera provides detailed eyewitness accounts, such as Sadiqullah's story of loss and survival, and expert analysis on the quake's shallow depth increasing destruction. The Japan Times and Bloomberg focus on casualty figures and the geological context, noting Afghanistan's position on a seismic fault line. The New Arab and Gulf News underline the humanitarian strain, with the Taliban government reporting over 800 deaths and thousands injured, while also noting the challenges posed by poor infrastructure and recent flooding. AP News and The Times of Israel provide geographic and demographic context around Jalalabad and Kunar, emphasizing the vulnerability of mud-brick homes. Contrastingly, some sources like the NY Post and SBS stress the lack of foreign government aid offers so far, underscoring Afghanistan's isolation. Collectively, these reports paint a comprehensive picture of a devastating natural disaster compounded by political and economic fragility.
How we got here
Afghanistan lies on the collision zone of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it prone to frequent earthquakes, especially in mountainous eastern provinces. The country has faced multiple deadly quakes recently, including a 6.3 magnitude event in 2023 that killed over 1,500 people. Years of conflict and aid cuts have weakened Afghanistan's disaster response capacity.
Go deeper
- What are the main challenges facing rescue efforts in Afghanistan?
- How has the international community responded to the earthquake?
- What is the historical context of earthquakes in Afghanistan?
Common question
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What caused the recent earthquake in Afghanistan?
The recent earthquake in Afghanistan has raised many questions about its causes and impact. Understanding the geological factors behind this natural disaster can help us better prepare and respond. Below, you'll find answers to common questions about the earthquake, its effects, and regional risks.
More on these topics
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Afghanistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country at the crossroads of Central and South Asia.
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Kunar is one of the 34 provinces of Afghanistan, located in the northeastern part of the country. Its capital is Asadabad. Its population is estimated to be 508,224.
It is one of the four "N2KL" provinces.
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Jalalabad is the fifth-largest city of Afghanistan. It has a population of about 356,274, and serves as the capital of Nangarhar Province in the eastern part of the country, about 80 miles from the capital Kabul.
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Nangarhār also called Nangrahar or Ningrahar, is one of the 34 provinces of Afghanistan, located in the eastern part of the country and bordering Logar, Kabul, Laghman and Kunar provinces as well as an international border with Pakistan.
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The Taliban or Taleban, who refer to themselves as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, are a Sunni Islamic fundamentalist political movement and military organization in Afghanistan currently waging war within that country.
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The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.