'Powerful 6.0 Magnitude Earthquake Devastates Afghanistan, Hundreds Killed As Tremors Felt In Pakistan And India'

Afghanistan earthquake: A massive 6.0 magnitude earthquake wreaked havoc in eastern Afghanistan late Monday night. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake struck at 11:47 pm, and its epicenter was located about 27 kilometers northeast of Jalalabad city in Nangarhar province. The shallow earthquake had a depth of only 8 kilometers, due to which the damage was excessive. According to the report, so far 800 people have died, and more than 1000 people are reported to be injured.

Pakistan was also shaken by the tremors

Strong tremors of the earthquake were felt in neighboring Pakistan. The ground shook in many districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab province. People also felt the tremors in big cities like Peshawar, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad, and many people came out of their homes. However, Pakistani officials have not yet confirmed any major damage or loss of life.

Heavy destruction in Jalalabad and Kunar

Jalalabad, a city in Afghanistan, is one of the worst affected areas by this disaster. This city is a major business center adjacent to Pakistan and has a population of about three lakhs. The earthquake affected not only Jalalabad but also many towns of the neighboring Kunar province. Health department officials say that there is difficulty in reaching many areas, due to which the actual number of dead and injured may be even higher.

Aftershock increased panic

After the earthquake, continuous aftershocks were felt in the area. According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), after the main shock, several aftershocks of 4.0 to 5.0 magnitude were recorded. One of these was an aftershock of 6.3 magnitude, while a 4.7 magnitude shock was felt at a depth of 140 kilometers. These aftershocks have made relief and rescue operations more difficult.

The challenge of Taliban administration

The Taliban-controlled administration in Kabul said relief work was progressing rapidly, but reaching mountainous and remote areas was the biggest challenge. The Health Ministry said there was a huge shortage of first aid and medicines, while injured people were continuously arriving at hospitals. The death toll was expected to rise.

Why are shallow earthquakes dangerous?

Geologists say that this earthquake proved to be extremely destructive due to the shallow depth. When the distance for seismic waves to reach the surface is less, the ground shakes rapidly and buildings are damaged more. This is the reason why even this relatively moderate-intensity earthquake caused such a large-scale loss of life and property.

Hoping for international help

Afghanistan is already facing a humanitarian crisis, and now this disaster has worsened the situation. The Taliban administration has appealed to international organizations and neighboring countries for help. Organizations like the United Nations and the Red Cross have announced they will send relief materials to the affected areas.