Jalalabad, Afghanistan – A powerful and shallow earthquake of 6.0 magnitude struck eastern Afghanistan late Sunday night, resulting in the deaths of at least 800 people and injuring over 2,500, according to the latest reports from Afghan officials. The quake, which occurred near the border with Pakistan, has caused widespread devastation, with entire villages reportedly destroyed and the death toll expected to rise as rescue efforts continue.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the earthquake struck at approximately 11:47 PM local time on Sunday, September 1, 2025. The epicenter was located near Basawul in the Nangarhar province, a region characterized by mountainous terrain and remote communities. The shallow depth of the earthquake, estimated to be around 8 to 10 kilometers, is believed to have amplified the shaking and contributed to the significant damage.
Homes, particularly traditional mud and stone houses common in the region, collapsed under the force of the tremor, burying residents as they slept. The provinces of Nangarhar and the neighboring Kunar appear to be the hardest hit. Officials have reported that communication with some of the more remote areas has been challenging, raising fears that the full extent of the casualties and damage is yet to be known.
Rescue operations are underway, with Afghan authorities dispatching helicopters to evacuate the injured and transport them to provincial hospitals. Images from the affected areas show scenes of devastation, with residents and rescue workers digging through rubble in a desperate search for survivors.
The Taliban-led government has pledged to provide assistance to those affected and has called on international aid organizations for support. The challenging terrain and the remoteness of many of the affected villages are complicating rescue and relief efforts.
Afghanistan is situated in a seismically active region and has a long history of destructive earthquakes. The country’s infrastructure, weakened by decades of conflict, is often unable to withstand such natural disasters, leading to high casualty tolls. This latest earthquake serves as a grim reminder of the nation’s vulnerability to seismic events.
