Afghanistan Earthquake: 5.2 Quake Strikes again, Death Toll Surpasses 1,400

Afghanistan is grappling with another earthquake, exacerbating the devastation from a prior quake. The death toll surpasses 1,400, with rescue efforts hindered by challenging conditions. International aid is being mobilized, with India and other nations providing support. This marks Afghanistan's third major quake since 2021, highlighting the region's vulnerability and need for enhanced disaster preparedness.

Key Points:

  • A 5.2 magnitude earthquake has struck Afghanistan, compounding the devastation caused by a previous 6.0 magnitude quake.
  • The death toll has exceeded 1,400, with over 3,000 injured, and rescue efforts are hindered by landslides and damaged roads.
  • International aid is pouring in, with India, the UN, UK, and Iran pledging support to the crisis-stricken region.

Another Earthquake Strikes Afghanistan

Afghanistan is reeling from another devastating earthquake, a 5.2 magnitude tremor striking just days after a 6.0 magnitude quake decimated the eastern region. The death toll has tragically surpassed 1,400, with over 3,000 people injured as rescue teams navigate challenging mountainous terrain. The US Geological Survey pinpointed the epicenter near Jalalabad in Nangarhar province, at a shallow depth of 8 km, amplifying the destructive impact. Kunar province bore the brunt of the disaster, with entire villages in Nur Gul, Soki, Watpur, Manogi, and Chapadare reduced to rubble, leaving over 8,000 homes destroyed.

Challenges and Impact on Rescue Efforts

Rescue efforts are severely hampered by landslides, damaged roads, and persistent aftershocks. The United Nations and the World Health Organization have issued warnings that local health systems are overwhelmed, making Afghanistan heavily reliant on international aid. Officials express concerns that the casualty count will continue to rise as rescue teams reach remote and isolated areas. The disaster occurs amidst an ongoing economic crisis and aid cuts, exacerbating the vulnerability of millions of Afghans.

International Response and Aid

In response to the crisis, India has dispatched 1,000 family tents and 15 tonnes of food supplies, reaffirming its commitment to provide humanitarian assistance. The international community is also mobilizing, with the UN, UK, and Iran pledging support. The Taliban has made an urgent appeal for international aid, recognizing the immense scale of the disaster and the urgent need for assistance.

Afghanistan's Seismic Vulnerability

This recent quake marks Afghanistan's third major seismic event since the Taliban takeover in 2021, underscoring the region's susceptibility to earthquakes. Experts attribute the high death toll to shallow, surface-level tremors in areas with mudbrick villages, which are particularly vulnerable to seismic activity. The convergence of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates in this region contributes to its heightened seismic risk, making it imperative to enhance disaster preparedness and resilience in the face of future events.