KABUL: The Taliban government announced that more than 2,200 people have died following the powerful earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan over the weekend.
According to deputy government spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat, the confirmed toll has reached 2,217, with nearly 4,000 others injured. He shared the update on X, adding that “rescue efforts are still ongoing.” Afghanistan quake death toll tops 2,200: govt spokesman confirmed in his latest remarks.
The 6.0-magnitude quake hit late Sunday in the mountainous Kunar province near the border with Pakistan. Entire mud-brick homes collapsed on sleeping families. Many survivors have been forced to stay outdoors, fearing constant aftershocks that continue to rock the region.
Rescue operations remain difficult as aftershocks trigger rockfalls and block access to remote areas. Teams have been struggling to reach isolated villages, leaving some families to dig through rubble with their bare hands.
Earlier figures from the authorities had reported 1,469 deaths and more than 3,700 injuries. The latest number makes this one of the deadliest quakes to strike Afghanistan in decades.
International concern has been rising. UN refugee chief Filippo Grandi said more than 500,000 people have been affected by the disaster. Neighboring provinces, including Nangarhar and Laghman, also reported casualties, though the majority of deaths occurred in Kunar.
With infrastructure already fragile, the earthquake has deepened the suffering in a country facing severe humanitarian and economic challenges. Local residents say immediate relief is needed as many remain without shelter, food, or medical care.
Afghanistan quake death toll tops 2,200: govt spokesman reiterated, while stressing that rescue and aid operations are continuing. However, difficult terrain and ongoing tremors are slowing progress.
The tragedy underscores Afghanistan’s vulnerability to natural disasters, especially in remote provinces where access to emergency services is extremely limited.
Read More : Earthquake in Afghanistan kills 20, leaves 100+ injured
