Afghanistan Rocked by Deadly Quake: Kunar Devastated, At Least 10 Confirmed Dead

A powerful earthquake, registering a significant magnitude, has ripped through Afghanistan's eastern Kunar province, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming at least 10 lives. The seismic event, which struck in the early hours of September 1, 2025, has sent shockwaves of fear and grief across the already vulnerable region, prompting an immediate, albeit challenging, humanitarian response.

Initial reports from local authorities confirm that the quake, believed to have originated at a relatively shallow depth, caused numerous buildings to collapse, particularly in remote and mountainous areas less equipped to withstand such forces.

The provincial capital, Asadabad, also felt the tremors intensely, though the most severe casualties and damage appear concentrated in rural districts where traditional mud-brick homes are prevalent.

Eyewitnesses describe scenes of panic as residents were jolted awake by the violent shaking, fleeing into the streets amidst collapsing structures.

"It was terrifying," recounted Ahmed Gul, a resident of a hard-hit village. "The ground moved like a wave, and then the houses started falling. We ran with nothing but the clothes on our backs."

The death toll, currently standing at a confirmed 10, is feared to rise as rescue teams, comprising local officials, police, and community volunteers, struggle to reach isolated areas.

Landslides triggered by the earthquake have further complicated access, blocking key roads and making the delivery of aid and medical supplies exceedingly difficult. Initial efforts are focused on extracting survivors from under rubble and providing immediate medical attention to the injured, many of whom have suffered fractures and crush injuries.

Afghanistan is no stranger to seismic activity, sitting on a major fault line.

The country has a tragic history of devastating earthquakes, with past events causing thousands of fatalities. This latest disaster adds another layer of suffering to a nation already grappling with profound humanitarian and economic challenges.

The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with several aid organizations expressing readiness to assist the Afghan government in its relief efforts.

However, the logistical hurdles, coupled with the onset of cooler weather, underscore the urgency of a coordinated and robust response. Families whose homes have been destroyed are now facing an immediate need for shelter, food, and clean water, as the full scale of the catastrophe begins to unfold in Kunar province.