Death Toll Surges to 1,109 After Afghanistan Earthquake
UPDATE: The death toll from the devastating earthquake in Afghanistan has surged to 1,109, with 2,938 individuals injured, according to officials. The earthquake, registering a magnitude of 6.0, struck just before midnight on October 22, 2023, and has left a trail of destruction across multiple provinces.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, but many villages remain unreachable, raising fears that the death toll could climb even higher. Shah Mahmood, a Taliban official in Nangarhar Province, confirmed that approximately 8,000 houses have been destroyed, displacing thousands. The epicenter of the quake was reported to be about 17 miles east of Jalalabad, as per the U.S. Geological Survey.
Almost all fatalities have been reported in Kunar Province, as stated in a recent communication from Zabihullah Mujahid, a government spokesperson. The ongoing crisis reflects a disturbing trend; Afghanistan has faced multiple deadly earthquakes in recent years, including a 5.9 magnitude quake in June 2022 and a 6.3 magnitude quake just last month, both resulting in significant loss of life.
The World Health Organization estimates that around 12,000 people have been directly affected by this latest disaster. Emergency services are working tirelessly to reach isolated areas, where officials fear additional casualties may be trapped under collapsed buildings.
As the situation develops, authorities urge for immediate international support to assist in the ongoing rescue and recovery efforts. The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated; every moment counts for those still trapped beneath the rubble.
Next Steps: Aid organizations are mobilizing resources, but the need is critical. Community and international support will be vital in the coming days as Afghanistan grapples with the aftermath of this catastrophic event. Stay tuned for further updates as the situation unfolds.
