A powerful earthquake in Afghanistan killed over 800 people, with Nurgal, Chawkay and Watapur being the worst hit. India has pledged support as rescue efforts are underway.
The eastern part of Afghanistan was struck by a strong earthquake of magnitude 6.0 and several aftershocks, flattening buildings and killing more than 800 people, according to Taliban officials. Authorities and locals have launched a massive operation to rescue survivors.
The earthquake struck 36 km north of Basawul, Afghanistan, before midnight, shaking buildings in the capital of neighbouring Pakistan. Tremors were felt in several places in India as well, including New Delhi.
Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said around 800 people were killed and 2,500 were injured in the remote Kunar province alone. Another 12 people were killed and 255 were injured in the neighbouring Nangarhar province, he confirmed.
Three villages were razed in the province of Kunar. Nurgal, Chawkay and Watapur were the districts of Kunar worst hit by the quake, as per reports.
Rescue operations are underway to find missing people under the destruction and rubble caused by the strong tremors. “The number of casualties and injuries is high, but since the area is difficult to access, our teams are still on site," health ministry spokesperson Sharafat Zaman said in a statement.
The UN migration agency warned that some of the most severely affected villages in the Kunar province remained inaccessible due to road blockages. The UN and Taliban authorities are coordinating rescue operations to locate survivors.
Some 40 flights have been launched to carry away 420 wounded and dead, while military rescue teams have been deployed in several parts of the region. Residents were seen helping security teams carry the wounded to ambulances.
A majority of the Afghan population lives in low-rise, mud-brick homes that are vulnerable to collapse, particularly during earthquakes. Rescue officials are battling to reach remote mountainous areas that are cut off from mobile networks along the border with Pakistan, who live in similar mudbrick homes.
“All our … teams have been mobilised to accelerate assistance, so that comprehensive and full support can be provided," Afghan health ministry spokesperson Abdul Maten Qanee was quoted as saying by Reuters.
India Delivers Humanitarian Aid
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed sorrow over the lives lost in Afghanistan and pledged full humanitarian assistance to the affected nation.
“Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to the earthquake in Afghanistan. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families in this difficult hour, and we wish a speedy recovery to the injured. India stands ready to provide all possible humanitarian aid and relief to those affected," said PM Modi in an X post.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also spoke to his Afghan counterpart Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, and expressed India’s condolences over the earthquake. He confirmed that India had delivered 1,000 family tents today in Kabul, while 15 tonnes of food material were also being immediately moved by the Indian Mission from Kabul to Kunar.
“Further relief material will be sent from India starting tomorrow. Wish early recovery of those injured. India stands by Afghanistan at this difficult time," he said.
Spoke with Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi today. Expressed our condolences at the loss of lives in the earthquake.Conveyed that India has delivered 1000 family tents today in Kabul. 15 tonnes of food material is also being immediately moved by Indian Mission…
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 1, 2025
According to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), the quake was at a depth of 10 km (6.21 miles). The quake’s epicentre was 36 kilometres (22 miles) north of Basawul, Afghanistan, and it had a depth of 10 kilometres (6.2 miles), the U.S. Geological Survey said. It struck at 11:47 pm local time Sunday.
It was Afghanistan’s third major deadly quake since the Taliban took over in 2021. Sharafat Zaman, the spokesperson for the health ministry in Kabul, called for international aid to tackle the devastation from the earthquake.
Earlier, a magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck Afghanistan on October 7, 2023, along with strong aftershocks. The Taliban government estimated that at least 4,000 perished. The UN provided a significantly lower figure of approximately 1,500. It was the deadliest natural disaster to strike Afghanistan in recent memory.
Afghanistan is prone to deadly earthquakes, particularly in the Hindu Kush mountain range, where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates meet.
(with inputs from agencies)
Getbreaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated!
tags :
Afghanistan earthquakeEarthquake
view comments
- Location :
Afghanistan
- First Published:
September 01, 2025, 06:57 IST
News world Over 800 Killed, 2,500 Injured After 6.0 Earthquake Strikes Afghanistan, India Sends Aid
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to ourTerms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Loading comments...
