An earthquake measuring 6.0 in magnitude struck eastern Afghanistan on Sunday night, leading to significant destruction and loss of life. According to the United Nations, at least 800 fatalities have been reported. The epicenter of the earthquake was located 16 kilometers away from the village of Asadabad in Kunar province, where the tremors were clearly felt.
Matiullah Shahab, a freelance journalist and human rights activist, described how he and his 23 family members fled their home in fear of collapsing walls, spending the night in their garden. The quake’s effects reached beyond Kunar and Nangarhar provinces, with tremors felt in Kabul and even Islamabad, Pakistan.
When daylight arrived, Shahab attempted to reach the epicenter by driving toward the remote mountain areas. He was forced to walk for two hours due to blocked roads. Upon reaching the village of Andarlachak, he observed children receiving medical treatment in the streets, with some seriously injured. Reports indicate that 79 people died in this village alone.
Matiullah participated in digging graves for the deceased, noting the widespread destruction in the villages he visited. He recounted hearing a local man share tragic news of losing his wife and four children, while many others were too stunned to speak. According to him, the Taliban government has resorted to using helicopters for rescue operations, as some areas remain inaccessible due to the mountainous terrain.
In another account from Kunar’s Sokai district, resident Ezzatullah Safi reported that part of his house collapsed, leading to a night filled with screams and fear. He mentioned that the mobile network was down immediately following the quake, complicating communication with relatives. Government helicopters later evacuated injured individuals, but some remote areas remain unreachable, adding to the ongoing challenges in the relief efforts.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm2vm2r6dzdo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss