Afghanistan Earthquake (2025)

The Afghanistan Earthquake was a magnitude 6.0 seismic event that occurred on August 31, 2025, in the eastern part of the country. The earthquake was felt in Jalalabad and its surroundings, causing significant destruction particularly in rural areas. According to official statements, at least 1,400 people lost their lives and thousands were injured. It was reported that rescue operations were underway under difficult conditions in areas where people were trapped under rubble.

The earthquake struck at midnight centered near Jalalabad and measured 6.0 on the Richter scale. It was felt not only in Jalalabad but also in numerous villages and towns across eastern provinces, affecting a wide geographic area.

It has been reported that the predominance of mud-brick construction in rural homes exacerbated the extent of destruction. In many villages, houses collapsed completely, leaving people buried under debris. Local sources indicated that aftershocks followed the main shock, causing widespread panic and prompting residents to flee their homes and seek shelter in open areas.

Mountainous terrain caused road closures in some areas, delaying relief and rescue efforts. It was noted that casualties in remote villages inaccessible to rescue teams could rise further.

At least 1,400 people lost their lives as a result of the earthquake. While different sources reported death tolls of “over 800” or “622,” the most recent reports indicate that the number of fatalities has exceeded these figures. It has also been stated that the death toll may increase further as search teams continue to locate people trapped under rubble.

The number of injured has been reported to exceed 3,000. A significant portion of the injured suffered severe trauma and fractures, and many were transported to nearby hospitals for emergency treatment. The highest number of casualties were reported in rural villages surrounding Jalalabad.

Official authorities stated that women and children made up a significant proportion of the victims. Rescue teams continued search operations in structures at risk of further collapse while striving to prevent additional loss of life.

Immediately after the earthquake, local authorities and national institutions in Afghanistan dispatched search and rescue teams to the affected region. However, mountainous terrain, blocked roads, and inadequate infrastructure made it difficult for teams to reach disaster zones.

In addition to national authorities, international organizations also began responding to appeals for assistance. Initial offers of support came from neighboring countries and humanitarian agencies, with priority given to providing essential supplies such as food, tents, medical equipment, and blankets. Local hospitals, already operating with limited capacity, quickly became overwhelmed, prompting some patients to be transferred to neighboring provinces.

Civilian volunteers played a significant role in rescue operations. Local residents actively assisted in search efforts, attempting to free family members and neighbors buried under debris. However, delays in delivering aid triggered public frustration.

The earthquake caused widespread destruction of infrastructure in eastern Afghanistan. Numerous homes in villages around Jalalabad collapsed entirely, as mud-brick structures proved highly vulnerable to seismic forces. Transportation networks were severely damaged, with road closures in mountainous regions hindering rescue operations. Disruptions to electricity and communication lines made it difficult for the public to contact relatives and for authorities to coordinate response efforts.

Following the earthquake, Afghan authorities declared a state of emergency and announced a nationwide mobilization for relief efforts. Local administrations dispatched rescue teams and medical personnel to the hardest-hit areas, particularly around Jalalabad. The Afghan government also appealed to the international community for urgent humanitarian assistance.

Initial condolences and offers of aid arrived swiftly from international organizations and neighboring countries. The United Nations and several aid agencies announced preparations to provide food, medicine, and shelter. Neighboring countries indicated their readiness to contribute through search and rescue teams and medical personnel.

The death toll continues to rise following a magnitude 6.0 earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan on the night of 31 August 2025. On 2 September 2025, another earthquake of magnitude 5.2 occurred in Afghanistan. Aftershocks are continuing.

According to a statement made by Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Afghan Interim Government, on 2 September, the number of fatalities has risen to 1,411 and the number of injured to 3,124. Officially, more than 5,000 homes have been destroyed in the earthquake.

According to data from the Afghan Red Crescent, over 8,000 homes have completely collapsed in the provinces of Kunar, Nangarhar and surrounding areas, with many people still trapped under rubble. Spokesperson Sharafat Zaman of the Ministry of Public Health stated that evacuation of the injured is ongoing and that figures may continue to change.

The hardest-hit area is Kunar province. It is reported that the village of Ghazi Abad in Nurgal district has been entirely destroyed, with not a single intact structure remaining. In many villages, locals are manually clearing debris to search for survivors, and similar scenes have been reported across the region. In Nangarhar, at least 12 people have been confirmed dead.

Authorities have stated that the earthquake occurred at a depth of 8 kilometers and, due to its shallow focus, caused widespread destruction. Landslides have occurred in some areas, blocking roads and hindering the progress of search and rescue teams.

Teams deployed to the region are struggling to reach some villages due to mountainous terrain and adverse weather conditions. Injured people pulled from the rubble are being transported by helicopter to hospitals, but local healthcare capacity is rapidly becoming overwhelmed.

The Afghan Ministry of Defense has announced that 40 flights have been conducted for search and rescue operations, during which 420 injured and deceased individuals have been transported. However, severed communication lines and heavy rainfall are slowing down efforts.

In response to Afghanistan’s international aid appeal, numerous countries including India, China, the United Kingdom and Switzerland have pledged support. UNICEF has announced that 2,000 aid kits have been delivered to the affected areas.

United Nations (UN) agencies have described the disaster as a “crisis within a crisis.” UN High Commissioner for Refugees spokesperson Babar Baloch stated that many people may still be trapped under rubble and expressed concern that the death toll could rise further.

On the evening of 4 September, a third earthquake with a magnitude of 5.6 occurred in eastern Afghanistan.

The earthquake occurred at approximately 20:30 local time at a depth of 10 kilometers. Its epicenter was located 14 kilometers east of the city of Jalalabad in Nangarhar Province.

Road closures due to the region’s mountainous terrain and landslides have severely hampered relief and search-and-rescue efforts. Aftershocks following the earthquake temporarily halted rescue operations. Reports indicate that helicopters have been used to reach villages, while health workers and aid personnel have undertaken hours-long walks to reach disaster-affected communities. At a field camp established by the United Nations in the Nurgal area, injured people are being treated, but there is insufficient supply of medicine, clean water, food, and tents.

The Afghan government has announced that the death toll has reached 2,205 and described the event as one of the deadliest disasters in the region in the past decade. Helicopters have been deployed for rescue operations, military units have been airlifted to the area, and access to isolated villages has been achieved on foot.

United Nations Secretary-General’s Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric stated that the earthquake in Afghanistan has affected approximately 84,000 people and destroyed 6,700 homes. Dujarric also confirmed that the death toll has reached 2,205 and the number of injured has reached 3,640.