Afghanistan was hit by a 6.0 magnitude earthquake at night on September 1, 2025, killing at least 800 people and injuring over 2800. The disaster struck mainly in the eastern provinces of Kunar and Nangarhar, where piles of rubble in mountainous terrain and lack of communication made rescue operations difficult. The Taliban administration has appealed to the international community for immediate assistance.
Earthquake details
The earthquake, which struck around 12 midnight, had a depth of 10 km. Three villages, including Mazar Dara village in Nurgal district of Kunar province, were completely destroyed. Many people are buried under the rubble, and rescue teams are trying to evacuate people by manually removing the debris.
Challenges in rescue operations
Roads have been blocked due to heavy rains and landslides in the earthquake-affected areas. Lack of communication and the inaccessibility of the mountainous terrain have made rescue operations even more difficult. However, the injured and dead are being transported to hospitals through helicopters and military aircraft.
Taliban appeals for international help
The Taliban administration has appealed to the international community for immediate assistance in the wake of this disaster. Health Ministry spokesman Sharafat Zaman said, “Our situation is very serious, and we need immediate assistance.” India has sent 1000 tents and 15 tonnes of food items, while China has also expressed its willingness to provide assistance.
Humanitarian crisis and lack of aid
Foreign aid to Afghanistan has declined sharply since the Taliban came to power. The amount has fallen from $3.8 billion in aid in 2022 to $767 million in 2025. Health services, education and other infrastructure have been affected due to the reduction in assistance from the international community.
