Death toll from Afghanistan earthquake rises to over 2,200
Around 12,000 people have been directly affected, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The death toll from Sunday's powerful earthquake in eastern Afghanistan has risen to at least 2,205, with 3,640 people injured, a Taliban official confirmed on Thursday.
The 6.0-magnitude quake struck just before midnight near the Pakistan border, about 27 kilometres east of Jalalabad, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). Around 12,000 people have been directly affected, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
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In a statement on X, Taliban spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat stated that search and rescue operations are ongoing, but damaged highways and blocked access roads, particularly routes linking Jalalabad to Kunar, Nurgal, and Sawkay, are hampering relief efforts.
Rescue efforts have also been disrupted by aftershocks, including a 5.2-magnitude tremor on Tuesday about 20 miles northeast of Jalalabad, the USGS reported.
"In the earthquake-affected areas of Noor Gul District (Mazar Dara), Chawkay District (Diwa Gul Dara and Chapa Dara), and Manogai District of Kunar Province, search and rescue operations continue to recover victims from the debris of destroyed homes," the statement, seen by The Eastleigh Voice, reads.
"To date, the bodies of martyrs have been retrieved, bringing the total number of confirmed fatalities to 2,205 and the number of injured to 3,640."
He added that tents have been installed for displaced families, and the organised distribution of primary and urgent humanitarian assistance is currently underway.
Aid organisations, including the United Nations, have urged the international community to provide immediate support to prevent the situation from worsening.
"The earthquake has added death and destruction to a country already facing multiple crises, including a severe drought and the return of millions of Afghans from neighbouring countries," said UNHCR Spokesperson Babar Baloch on Tuesday.
"Humanitarian assistance is desperately needed immediately to help the people of Afghanistan and avoid further tragedy. Our stocks and capacity to respond are already stretched thin. We appeal globally for urgent support."
Afghanistan has suffered deadly earthquakes in recent years, including a 5.9-magnitude quake in June 2022 and a 6.3-magnitude one in October 2023, each killing more than 1,000 people.
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