Earthquake devastates japanese Afghanistan, killing a whole lot and destroying villages

KABUL, Afghanistan — An earthquake in Afghanistan’s east has killed not less than 610 individuals, injured 1,300 and destroyed quite a few villages, a spokesman for the Taliban authorities stated Monday.

The 6.0 magnitude quake late Sunday hit a sequence of cities within the province of Kunar, close to town of Jalalabad in neighboring Nangahar province, inflicting intensive harm.

The quake at 11:47 p.m. was centered 27 kilometers (17 miles) east-northeast of town of Jalalabad in Nangarhar province, the U.S. Geological Survey stated. It was simply 8 kilometers (5 miles) deep. Shallower quakes are inclined to trigger extra harm.

Inside Ministry spokesman Abdul Matin Qani confirmed the casualty figures to the Related Press, saying the late-night quake killed 610 individuals and injured 1,300 in Kunar. Many homes had been destroyed.

In Nangarhar, a dozen individuals died and a whole lot had been injured, stated Qani.

“Rescue operations are still underway there, and several villages have been completely destroyed. The figures for martyrs and injured are changing. Medical teams from Kunar, Nangarhar and the capital Kabul have arrived in the area,” stated Sharafat Zaman, a spokesman for the ministry of public well being.

He stated many areas had not been in a position to report casualties figures and that “the numbers were expected to change” as demise and accidents are reported.

Close by Jalalabad is a bustling commerce metropolis as a result of its proximity with neighboring Pakistan and a key border crossing between the nations. Though it has a inhabitants of about 300,000 in line with the municipality, it is metropolitan space is regarded as far bigger. Most of its buildings are low-rise constructions, largely of concrete and brick, and its outlying areas embrace houses constructed of mud bricks and wooden. Many are of poor building.

Jalalabad additionally has appreciable agriculture and farming, together with citrus fruit and rice, with the Kabul River flowing via town.

A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck Afghanistan on Oct. 7, 2023, adopted by robust aftershocks. The Taliban authorities estimated not less than 4,000 individuals perished in that quake.

The U.N. gave a far decrease demise toll of about 1,500. It was the deadliest pure catastrophe to strike Afghanistan in current reminiscence.