6.0-Magnitude Earthquake Kills 800, Cuts Access in Eastern Afghanistan

A magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan near Jalalabad in Nangarhar province, killing over 800 people and injuring thousands more, with entire villages wiped out and extensive building damage reported. The quake, which was shallow at 8 kilometers depth, triggered aftershocks and landslides that further hindered rescue efforts and blocked road access, necessitating helicopter evacuations. Afghanistan, located at the collision zone of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, has experienced increased seismic activity, with multiple significant earthquakes occurring in 2024 and 2025, contributing to a pattern of frequent and destructive tremors. The disaster exacerbates Afghanistan's ongoing refugee crisis, as damaged homes and infrastructure are forcing many displaced families to flee, amid already volatile population movements following the Taliban's 2021 takeover and forced repatriations from neighboring countries. Humanitarian organizations emphasize urgent needs for shelter, sanitation, and medical aid, but response is complicated by the remote and poor terrain of the affected areas. The earthquake's impact highlights the region's vulnerability due to its geological setting and socio-political challenges.