In brief
A 6.0 magnitude earthquake hit eastern Afghanistan late Sunday night, resulting in over 800 fatalities and significant destruction, particularly in Nangarhar and Kunar provinces. Eyewitness accounts highlight the chaos and despair experienced by survivors as they struggle to cope with the loss and limited rescue efforts due to inaccessible areas. The Taliban government is using helicopters for rescue missions, but many remain trapped and in need of assistance.
Just before midnight on Sunday, Matiullah Shahab was awakened by the tremors of a 6.0 magnitude earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan's Kunar province. Despite the epicenter being 16 km away, the seismic activity affected his village of Asadabad, forcing Shahab and his extended family of 23 to evacuate into their garden for safety, fearing the imminent collapse of their home. According to the United Nations, the disaster has claimed the lives of at least 800 individuals. The hardest-hit areas were reported in Nangarhar and Kunar, with tremors felt as far away as Kabul and neighboring Pakistan's Islamabad. The following morning, Shahab embarked on a two-hour trek to the devastated village of Andarlachak, where he found many children in need of medical attention in the streets, and witnessed the harrowing sight of bodies wrapped in white sheets. He discovered that 79 lives were lost in that village alone and felt aftershocks many times throughout the day. Shahab assisted in grave digging amidst the chaos, noting the profound shock that gripped survivors, many of whom were unable to express their grief. The Taliban's rescue efforts have largely struggled due to the remote, rugged terrain, relying on helicopters to reach isolated communities. Yet, numerous individuals remain buried under rubble, waiting for help. Many residents are now without proper shelters, forced to sleep outdoors, as Shahab noted the urgent need for tents and emergency supplies. Another Kunar resident, Ezzatullah Safi, recounted waking to panic as children and animals screamed during the quake. He reported destroyed homes, a collapsed phone network, and rising feelings of despair as the region faced a heavy atmosphere of grief. The depth of the tragedy has been compounded by the Taliban government's limitations on media coverage, particularly regarding images of women. As rescue efforts continue, the community grapples with loss and the challenge of recovery.
