A powerful earthquake struck Afghanistan’s southeastern region near the Pakistan border at around 11:47 pm on Sunday night, measuring approximately 6 on the Richter scale. About 20 minutes later, another aftershock of magnitude 4.5 was recorded in the same province. The epicentre of the quake was near Jalalabad at a depth of around 8 kilometres. The tremors were so severe that many village thresholds collapsed. So far, more than 800 people have lost their lives, and over 2,500 have been injured in this disaster. Several injured victims are being airlifted to hospitals.
India Respnded with Humanitarian Assistance
India has expressed full sympathy and support for the earthquake disaster in Afghanistan. Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke with Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, expressing condolences for the deceased and wishing a speedy recovery for the injured. India has already sent 1,000 tents for families in Kabul and is delivering 15 tons of food supplies to Kunar province. In addition, India plans to send more relief material in the coming days. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief over the tragedy and assured humanitarian assistance for the affected people. The international community, including the United Nations and several organisations, has pledged emergency aid for Afghanistan. India has reaffirmed that it stands with Afghanistan in this difficult time.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives and property caused by the earthquake in Afghanistan. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families during this difficult hour. We wish the injured a speedy recovery. India is ready to provide all possible humanitarian assistance and relief to the affected people.”
Earthquake Features and Causes
Afghanistan is considered a highly earthquake-prone region because seven tectonic plates collide here. When this collision creates high pressure, the breaking of plates releases energy inside the Earth, causing earthquakes. The epicentre is the point where the tremors are strongest, and the intensity decreases with distance. On the Richter scale, earthquakes are measured from 1 to 9, indicating the magnitude of energy released.
Why Do Earthquakes Occur Frequently in Afghanistan?
In the past month alone, Afghanistan has experienced five earthquakes. This region is geotechnically very active, and due to its geographical structure and tectonic plate activity, it frequently becomes the centre of seismic events. Particularly in Nangarhar and Kunar provinces, human safety remains at high risk as most houses are built from mud and wood, which cannot withstand strong tremors.
The devastation caused by this earthquake has emerged as a major humanitarian crisis for Afghanistan, requiring urgent international cooperation for relief and reconstruction. Countries, including India, are extending support, and relief operations are underway.
