Devastating 6.0 Magnitude Earthquake Rocks Afghanistan, Hundreds Feared Dead as Rescue Efforts Intensify

A powerful 6.0 magnitude earthquake has struck eastern Afghanistan, leaving a trail of devastation and widespread fear. Reports indicate that hundreds of people are feared dead, with countless others injured, as the nation grapples with the aftermath of one of its deadliest quakes in years. The tremors hit late at night, catching residents off guard and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis already facing the country.

The earthquake's epicenter was reported to be near the city of Khost, close to the border with Pakistan, affecting several densely populated districts.

Initial images and videos emerging from the affected regions show collapsed homes, rubble-strewn streets, and villagers desperately searching for survivors under the debris. The scale of destruction is immense, particularly in rural areas where houses are often built with mud and other vulnerable materials, making them highly susceptible to such seismic events.

Emergency rescue operations have been launched, with local authorities and aid organizations mobilizing to reach the hardest-hit areas.

However, the remote and mountainous terrain, coupled with damaged infrastructure, is posing significant challenges to relief efforts. Helicopters are being used to airlift the injured and transport essential supplies, but the sheer number of affected individuals means resources are stretched thin.

International aid agencies and several countries have offered assistance, pledging support for the urgent humanitarian response.

The United Nations and other global bodies are coordinating with local authorities to assess the full extent of the damage and provide immediate relief, including medical aid, food, and temporary shelter for the displaced.

This natural disaster comes at a critical time for Afghanistan, which is already reeling from decades of conflict and a severe economic crisis.

The earthquake adds another layer of complexity to the country's humanitarian challenges, highlighting the urgent need for sustained international support to help the affected communities rebuild and recover from this catastrophic event.