A powerful 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan late Sunday night, leaving at least 250 people dead and more than 500 others injured, according to local officials.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported the quake’s epicenter 27 kilometers east-northeast of Jalalabad in Nangarhar province at a shallow depth of just 8 kilometers, intensifying its destructive force.

The Kunar Disaster Management Authority confirmed that casualties were spread across several districts, including Nur Gul, Soki, Watpur, Manogi, and Chapadare. Rescue teams are continuing their search through the rubble, with fears that the death toll could rise as more remote villages are reached.

Jalalabad, a major trading hub near the Pakistan border with more than 300,000 residents, bore the brunt of the disaster. Many homes in the city and surrounding areas—constructed primarily of mud brick and wood—collapsed under the tremors, leaving families buried beneath debris. The destruction is expected to heavily impact the region’s economy, which relies on citrus and rice farming along the Kabul River.

By early Monday, local authorities reported that emergency aid, including medical supplies, tents, and food, was being mobilized. The Afghan Red Crescent Society and international humanitarian organizations have dispatched teams to assist in rescue operations and relief distribution. Damaged roads, collapsed infrastructure, and blocked mountain passes, however, are hindering efforts to reach hard-hit rural areas.

Afghanistan lies in a seismically active region and has faced numerous deadly earthquakes in recent years. In October 2023, a 6.3-magnitude quake struck western Afghanistan, killing between 1,500 and 4,000 people, according to differing United Nations and Taliban estimates. The latest quake underscores the country’s vulnerability, particularly as it continues to grapple with poverty, conflict, and a fragile humanitarian situation.

Officials are urging residents to avoid damaged buildings, warning of potential aftershocks that could trigger further collapses. With many families now homeless and emergency shelters overwhelmed, there are growing concerns about access to clean water, medical care, and protection against the elements.

The international community is closely monitoring the crisis, with aid agencies calling for immediate global assistance to support Afghanistan’s recovery from yet another devastating natural disaster. (ILKHA)