On August 31, 2025, a catastrophic Afghanistan earthquake 2025 struck Kunar and Nangarhar provinces, killing at least 800 people and injuring over 2,500, per the Taliban government. The 6.0-magnitude quake, centered 27 km east-northeast of Jalalabad, leveled mud-brick villages, with rescue efforts hampered by landslides and blocked roads. Focus keywords: Afghanistan earthquake 2025, Kunar earthquake 2025, Nangarhar earthquake damage, Afghanistan relief efforts, Jalalabad quake casualties.
Human Toll
Devastation in Kunar and Nangarhar
The Kunar earthquake 2025 obliterated villages like Mazar Dara in Nurgal district, where a resident reported, “Children are under the rubble. The elderly are under the rubble,” per AP. Sadiqullah, a survivor, lost his wife and two sons, trapped for hours before rescue. In Nangarhar, 12 died and 255 were injured, with hospitals overwhelmed. Over 12,000 people are impacted, with 80% of Kunar’s mud-brick homes vulnerable.
Emotional and Social Impact
The Nangarhar earthquake damage left families like Rasheed Khan’s devastated, with his wife, three children, and two brothers among the dead. Survivors, facing an “atmosphere of fear and terror,” desperately need Afghanistan relief efforts, as communication and road access remain crippled.
Facts
Earthquake Details
The Afghanistan earthquake 2025 struck at 11:47 p.m. on August 31, at a shallow 8 km depth, amplifying destruction, per the U.S. Geological Survey. Centered in Kuz Kunar District, it caused severe shaking (Mercalli VII–VIII) in Kunar and strong shaking in Jalalabad. Aftershocks, including a 4.5-magnitude tremor, continued into Monday. In Kunar, 610–800 deaths and 1,300–2,500 injuries were reported; Nangarhar saw 9–12 deaths.,
Rescue and Damage
Helicopters airlifted 335 injured to Nangarhar Regional Hospital, with 40 military flights evacuating 420 victims., Landslides and prior floods blocked roads, forcing aid workers to trek hours to reach Mazar Valley. Mud-brick homes in Kunar collapsed, with three villages razed. Hospitals in Asadabad and Jalalabad reported minor damage but are operational.
Climate Context
Humanitarian Crisis
The Afghanistan earthquake 2025 exacerbates Afghanistan’s existing crises, with 50% of its 42 million people needing aid. Only 30% of 2025 humanitarian needs were funded before the quake, per the UN. The Taliban’s restrictions and aid diversion allegations deter donors, with only Iran, India, Japan, and the EU pledging support. UNICEF and Save the Children are mobilizing, prioritizing children’s needs.,
What Lies Ahead
Relief and Recovery
Afghanistan relief efforts include 15 mobile health teams and 35 ambulances in Kunar, with 800 kg of medicine delivered. The UN and NGOs like the International Rescue Committee warn of strained resources, with 2,000 casualties reported in 12 hours. The death toll may rise as remote villages like Dewagal Valley are reached. Long-term rebuilding faces challenges due to Afghanistan’s fragile infrastructure and ongoing deportations from Pakistan.
FAQ
What caused the Afghanistan earthquake 2025?
The Afghanistan earthquake 2025 was a 6.0-magnitude quake in Kunar, triggered by tectonic activity in the Hindu Kush, with a shallow 8 km depth causing severe damage.
How are relief efforts progressing?
Afghanistan relief efforts involve helicopters, 35 ambulances, and 15 health teams, but landslides and limited funding hinder access to remote areas.
Conclusion
The Afghanistan earthquake 2025 has left Kunar and Nangarhar in ruins, with 800 dead and 2,500 injured. The Kunar earthquake 2025 and Nangarhar earthquake damage highlight the urgent need for Afghanistan relief efforts, as survivors like Sadiqullah mourn devastating losses. With Jalalabad quake casualties rising and global aid limited, the crisis tests Afghanistan’s resilience. International support is critical to save lives and rebuild. Focus keywords: Afghanistan earthquake 2025, Kunar earthquake 2025, Nangarhar earthquake damage, Afghanistan relief efforts, Jalalabad quake casualties.