Afghanistan earthquake: 250 dead in buildings collapse, hundreds injured – HUM News

KABUL: Earthquake tremors were felt in multiple areas across the region on the night between Sunday and Monday, around 12:17 AM. Reports of strong tremors came in from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Tajikistan and India, with the epicenter being in Afghanistan.

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According to a media report by NBC, Taliban officials have said that nearly 250 people are reportedly dead, with hundreds more injured after buildings collapsed in different regions of Afghanistan due to the earthquake. BBC, however, is reporting the death toll to be much lower, at nearly 13 by Monday morning. Reports are still pouring in.

The earthquake was measured at a magnitude of 6 in Afghanistan, with its epicenter was located 15 kilometers deep in Afghanistan. In Pakistan, the magnitude was recorded around 5.4 on the Richter scale.

According to initial assessments, thankfully there were no immediate reports of loss of life or property damage in Pakistan. However, reports of damage and casualties have now started pouring in from Afghanistan.

A report NBC said that 250 people died in Afghanistan after buildings collapsed due to the earthquake, while BBC news is reporting the death toll is 13 so far.

The US Geological Survey reported the epicenter near Jalalabad at a depth of 8 kilometers. A second tremor, measured at 4.5 magnitude, occurred about 20 minutes later at a depth of 10 kilometers.

International media reports quoted the Nangarhar Public Health Directorate confirming that the injured were taken to a regional hospital. Afghanistan interim administration spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), “Sadly, tonight’s earthquake has caused loss of life and property damage in some of our eastern provinces. Local officials and residents are currently engaged in rescue efforts for the affected people.

Mujahid said local officials and residents were carrying out rescue operations, while support teams from central and nearby provinces had been dispatched to the affected areas. “All available resources will be utilised to save lives,” he added.

Sharafat Zaman, a spokesperson for the Afghan Public Health Ministry, said on X, “Based on the information, several villages in the Nurgal district of Kunar province have been completely destroyed (Sholt, Arit, Mamagal, Wadir, and other villages) and have suffered significant damage. There is still no accurate information regarding casualties. Some injured individuals have been evacuated, and martyrs who were trapped under collapsed houses have been recovered. Efforts are ongoing.” [Translated]

SEISMIC ACTIVITY EXPLAINED

According to geologists, earthquakes result from the movement of tectonic plates that make up the Earth’s crust. These plates, including the Eurasian, Indian, and Arabian, shift due to heat and pressure built up underground. When this pressure is released, seismic waves travel outward, causing the ground to shake.

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Most earthquakes occur along fault lines where these plates interact. The release of built-up tension during plate movement is what causes the ground shaking commonly experienced during earthquakes.

Experts note that areas which have experienced significant seismic activity in the past may remain vulnerable to future events.