On the night of August 31, 2025, a powerful magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan, near the city of Jalalabad, causing catastrophic destruction across several mountainous provinces. This natural disaster has claimed the lives of over 800 individuals and left approximately 2,800 injured. The most affected provinces include Kunar, Nangarhar, Laghman, and Nuristan, with remote villages bearing the brunt of the devastation.
Earthquake Details and Impact
The earthquake’s epicenter was shallow, located only about 8 kilometers beneath the surface, amplifying its destructive power. It struck near the border area between Nangarhar and Kunar provinces around 11:47 PM local time, sending tremors felt as far as Kabul in Afghanistan and into neighboring Pakistan. Alongside the main quake, multiple aftershocks, including a magnitude 5.2, further destabilized already fragile structures.
The steep, rugged terrain and blocks caused by landslides hindered timely rescue and relief operations. Many homes in the affected areas were constructed from mud and stone, making them highly vulnerable to collapse. Entire villages were flattened, with thousands displaced and survivors urgently in need of medical and humanitarian aid.
Casualties and Damage by Province
| Province | Deaths | Injuries | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kunar | 800+ | 2,500+ | Worst hit; multiple villages destroyed |
| Nangarhar | 12 | 255 | Some fatalities in Darai Nur district |
| Laghman | 0-6 | 80 | Injuries reported, some serious |
| Nuristan | Unknown | Unknown | Affected; data limited due to accessibility issues |
Challenges in Rescue Efforts
Rescue teams and aid organizations are struggling with blocked roads caused by landslides and heavy rains. Many villages remain inaccessible except by helicopter, slowing search and rescue operations. Hospitals in provincial capitals, especially in Asadabad and Jalalabad, are overwhelmed with casualties.
The Taliban government has issued urgent appeals to the international community for humanitarian assistance, emphasizing the need for medical supplies, food, shelter, and logistical support to reach isolated communities. Given Afghanistan’s ongoing political instability and limited international aid flow following the Taliban takeover, the response to this disaster faces significant hurdles.
Context and Humanitarian Concerns
Afghanistan is located in a seismically active zone due to the convergence of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it prone to earthquakes. This disaster compounds existing challenges such as food insecurity, drought, and limited healthcare access across the country. Previous deadly quakes, such as those in 2022 and 2023, had already strained limited resources.
According to the United Nations, less than 30 percent of Afghanistan’s humanitarian needs for 2025 are currently being met. This earthquake risks exacerbating the humanitarian crisis unless global support is rapidly mobilized.
Earthquake Facts and Impact Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Date and Time | August 31, 2025, 11:47 PM local time |
| Magnitude | 6.0 |
| Depth | 8 kilometers (5 miles) |
| Epicenter Location | Near Jalalabad, Nangarhar Province |
| Provinces Affected | Kunar, Nangarhar, Laghman, Nuristan |
| Death Toll | 800+ confirmed |
| Injured | Approximately 2,800 |
| Number of Homes Destroyed | Over 600 |
| Aftershocks | Several, strongest magnitude 5.2 |
| Rescue Challenges | Landslides, blocked roads, mountain terrain |
| Aid Requests | Taliban government appeals to world |
The earthquake’s severe impact on eastern Afghanistan has plunged thousands into urgent need of aid and support. With many still trapped under debris and dozens of villages inaccessible, rapid coordination among local authorities, international organizations, and neighboring countries remains critical to saving lives and alleviating suffering in this devastated region.
The unfolding crisis underscores Afghanistan’s vulnerability to seismic events and the pressing need for sustained humanitarian engagement to support recovery efforts during this difficult time.