Over 800 people killed in Afghanistan earthquake as death toll rises

The death toll from the 6.0-magnitude earthquake that struck the eastern region of Afghanistan has risen to over 800 people, with more than 2,500 others injured, according to the country’s officials on Monday.

According to The New York Times, the earthquake occurred late on Sunday, with its epicentre near Jalalabad, a city with an estimated 200,000 people and just 100 miles from Afghanistan’s capital city of Kabul.

Initially, Afghan authorities estimated that 250 had been killed and over 500 injured. However, the number of casualties rose to over 3,300 following further assessments on Monday, with officials stating that the figures would likely increase again as rescue operations continue.

The aftershocks of the earthquake were felt across Jalalabad and its surrounding areas throughout the night, with the U.S. Geological Survey stating that its models predicted massive casualties and significant damage to structures in the region.

Zabihullah Mujahid, a government spokesman, stated in a post on X earlier on Monday that the earthquake had caused loss of life and property damage in the eastern part of Afghanistan, adding that rescue teams were en route to support local officials and residents.

“Sadly, tonight’s earthquake has caused loss of life and property damage in some of our eastern provinces,” said Mr Mujahid. “Local officials and residents are currently engaged in rescue efforts for the affected people. Support teams from the centre and nearby provinces are also on their way.”