A powerful 6.0-magnitude earthquake tore through eastern Afghanistan late September 1, killing at least 800 people and leaving more than 2,500 injured, according to Taliban government officials.

Entire communities in Nangarhar and Kunar provinces were reduced to rubble as the shallow quake, striking at a depth of just 8 kilometres, unleashed devastation across remote mountain districts.

The US Geological Survey reported that the tremor struck at 11:47 pm local time, with its epicentre 27 kilometres northeast of Jalalabad. Kunar’s Nur Gul, Soki, Watpur, Manogi and Chapadare districts were among the worst hit, with hundreds of homes damaged or destroyed.

UN on ground, rescue hampered

The United Nations said its teams are already delivering emergency supplies and life-saving support, though relief efforts face severe challenges due to the remoteness of affected areas and limited telecommunications. “Our thoughts are with the affected communities,” the UN stated, as Secretary-General António Guterres extended “full solidarity with the people of Afghanistan.”

India, Iran express solidarity

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences on X, pledging that India stands “ready to provide all possible humanitarian aid and relief.” External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar added that New Delhi would extend support “in this hour of need.” Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also announced readiness to dispatch relief and medical teams, calling the quake a “great tragedy.”

Concerns over women’s treatment

Amid the mounting humanitarian crisis, aid agencies have raised alarm that Afghan women may face delays in treatment. In Kunar, deeply conservative social norms may prevent families from seeking hospital care for women until daylight, echoing troubling patterns observed after the 2022 Paktika quake. With no female rescuers on the ground, relief groups warn that women and children risk being disproportionately affected.

As the death toll climbs and survivors sift through the wreckage of their homes, Afghanistan faces yet another test of resilience—this time against nature’s fury.