What is the Current Death Toll from the Afghanistan Earthquake?

Kabul, Sep 4 (NationPress) The death toll from the devastating earthquake that hit Afghanistan's Kunar province has risen to 1,457, with 3,394 individuals reported injured, according to Taliban officials on Thursday. The quake has resulted in the destruction of over 6,700 homes, while international aid agencies face challenges reaching remote communities, as reported by local media.

Taliban deputy spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat noted that at least 3,994 people sustained injuries, and more than 6,782 homes were devastated in Kunar and neighboring Nangarhar, as highlighted by Afghanistan's prominent news source, Khaama Press. Rescue teams have commenced body recovery efforts from the rubble, with officials indicating that this operation is still far from finished.

Survivors are grappling with shortages of water, food, and medical assistance. Authorities from the Taliban assert that humanitarian aid has reached many families and that roads to the earthquake-affected areas have been reopened. They further mentioned that specialized rescue teams from various countries have joined the ongoing efforts.

Despite these claims, both affected individuals and aid workers report that rescue operations remain slow and inconsistent. The challenging mountainous landscape and widespread destruction complicate efforts to reach those in dire need.

International organizations like the Red Cross and the World Health Organization, in conjunction with aid shipments from India, Japan, Iran, and Turkey, are actively supporting local initiatives. Relief agencies have indicated that logistical hurdles have delayed essential supplies and medical support.

The 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan at 11:47 PM local time on August 31, at a depth of eight kilometers, as reported by the US Geological Survey, according to Xinhua news agency.

Afghanistan is particularly susceptible to earthquakes due to its location atop several fault lines where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates converge. The rugged terrain of eastern Afghanistan is also prone to landslides, which further complicates rescue efforts.

On September 1, India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar spoke with Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to express condolences over the earthquake's casualties. He conveyed India's unwavering support for Afghanistan and announced plans to send food and relief supplies to Kabul.

"I spoke with Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi today. I expressed our condolences at the loss of lives in the earthquake. I also conveyed that India has delivered 1,000 family tents today in Kabul. 15 tonnes of food are also being swiftly transported from the Indian Mission in Kabul to Kunar. Additional relief supplies will be dispatched from India starting tomorrow. I wish a swift recovery for the injured. India stands by Afghanistan during this challenging period," EAM Jaishankar tweeted.