What is the Latest Death Toll from the Earthquake in Eastern Afghanistan?
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Synopsis
The earthquake in eastern Afghanistan has led to a rising death toll of 1,124, with thousands injured. As rescue efforts continue, global leaders express solidarity and offer humanitarian aid. India has already dispatched tents and food supplies to assist those affected. The full extent of the disaster is still being assessed.
Key Takeaways
- Death toll from the earthquake in eastern Afghanistan: 1,124
- Injuries reported: 3,251
- Over 8,000 homes destroyed in Kunar province
- International humanitarian aid being mobilized
- India's assistance includes 1,000 family tents and food supplies
Kabul, Sep 2 (NationPress) The toll from the devastating earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan has tragically increased to 1,124 fatalities, with 3,251 individuals injured, as reported by the Afghan Red Crescent Society on Tuesday.
More than 8,000 homes, predominantly in Kunar province, have been either completely or partially destroyed due to this natural disaster, according to Juma Khan Nayeel, the head of information and publication at the Afghan Red Crescent Society, who spoke to Xinhua.
Rescue and relief teams are tirelessly working to extract individuals trapped beneath debris, and the final numbers regarding casualties and injuries have not yet been confirmed, as per reports from Xinhua news agency.
The earthquake struck at 11:47 p.m. local time on August 31, with its epicenter located 27 km northeast of Jalalabad, the capital of Nangarhar province, at a depth of eight km.
On Monday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his profound sorrow over the catastrophic earthquake in Afghanistan and reiterated India's willingness to provide humanitarian assistance.
He stated, "Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to the earthquake in Afghanistan. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families in this difficult hour. India is prepared to offer all possible humanitarian aid and relief to those affected," PM Modi shared on X.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also voiced serious concern regarding the earthquake's impact on Afghanistan's Kunar Province. He expressed solidarity with the Afghan people, assuring them of India's support in this critical time.
"The earthquake in Kunar Province is a matter of grave concern. We extend our support and solidarity to the Afghan people during their response to this disaster. India will provide assistance in this hour of need. Our condolences are with the families of the victims, and we pray for the swift recovery of the injured," he tweeted.
Jaishankar also communicated with Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, offering condolences for the lives lost in the earthquake that ravaged the region on Sunday night. He reiterated India's commitment to aid and mentioned that food and relief supplies would be dispatched to Kabul.
Jaishankar confirmed that India had already sent 1,000 family tents to Kabul.
"I spoke with Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi today and expressed my condolences for the lives lost in the earthquake. We delivered 1,000 family tents in Kabul today, and 15 tonnes of food supplies are being promptly sent from the Indian Mission in Kabul to Kunar. Additional relief materials will follow starting tomorrow. We wish for a swift recovery for those injured. India stands with Afghanistan during this trying time," Jaishankar posted.
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also confirmed the phone conversation between Minister Muttaqi and EAM Jaishankar. According to the statement, Muttaqi expressed gratitude for the assistance provided to the Afghan populace and assured timely delivery of aid to the affected regions.
In a statement shared on X, Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted, "The Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Hon. Maulvi Amir Khan Muttaqi, had a conversation with his Indian counterpart, Jaishankar. The Indian Foreign Minister expressed condolences over the loss of lives due to the earthquake in eastern Afghanistan."
Meanwhile, rescue teams are navigating through remote areas with limited communication to evaluate the extent of the destruction and deliver aid. Officials noted that the casualty figures are preliminary as efforts are ongoing, according to official media.
Afghanistan remains particularly susceptible to earthquakes, being situated atop several fault lines where the Indian and Eurasian plates converge. The mountainous landscape of eastern Afghanistan is also vulnerable to landslides, complicating rescue operations.
Point of View
I want to emphasize the importance of reporting on humanitarian crises with empathy and factual accuracy. The earthquake in eastern Afghanistan has caused immense suffering, and the global community must respond with compassion and support. Our focus is on providing timely information while ensuring that the voices of those affected are heard.
NationPress
02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the earthquake in eastern Afghanistan?
The earthquake was caused by tectonic activity in the region, where the Indian and Eurasian plates converge.
What is the current status of rescue operations?
Rescue teams are actively working to locate and assist individuals trapped under debris, but communication challenges hinder their efforts.
How can people help those affected by the earthquake?
Donations to reputable humanitarian organizations providing aid in Afghanistan can help support the affected families.
What assistance is India providing?
India has sent 1,000 family tents and is dispatching food supplies to support those impacted by the earthquake.
What is the long-term impact of earthquakes in Afghanistan?
Afghanistan's geography makes it highly vulnerable to earthquakes, and recovery efforts may take years due to the destruction of infrastructure.
