KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — A strong earthquake in eastern Afghanistan near the Pakistan border has destroyed numerous villages, killing at least 250 people and injuring at least 500 people, officials said. Deaths and injuries were expected to increase as search and rescue teams reached the area.
The earthquake struck a series of towns in Kunar, near Jalalabad city in nearby Nangahar province. The 6.0 size at 11:47pm is located in the heart of 27 kilometers (17 miles) east-northeast of Jalalabad city in Nangarhar, the US Geological Survey said. It was only 8 km (5 miles). Shallow earthquakes tend to cause more damage.
In a statement, Kunar Disaster Management Bureau said at least 250 people have been killed and 500 have been injured in the districts of Nur Gul, Soki, Watpur, Manogi and Chapadare.
“Rescue operations are still underway there, with some villages completely destroyed. The numbers for martians and injured are changing. Medical teams from Kunar, Nangarhar and the capital Kabul have arrived in the area.”
He said many areas were unable to report casualty figures and “expected to change” as deaths and injuries are reported.
Nearby Jalalabad is a bustling trading city, crossing major borders between the countries due to its proximity to neighbouring Pakistan. The population is around 300,000, but the metropolitan area is thought to be much larger, according to the municipality. Most of the buildings are primarily low-rise structures of concrete and bricks, with the outside area homes built of mud bricks and wood. Many are under-constructed.
Jalalabad also has considerable agriculture and agriculture, including citrus fruits and rice, which flow through the city by the Kabul River.
A magnitude 6.3 earthquake occurred Afghanistan on October 7th, 2023Then there are strong aftershocks. The Taliban government estimated that at least 4,000 people had died.
The United Nations has put around 1,500 deaths much lower. Attacking Afghanistan in recent memories was the most fatal natural disaster.
