At Least 950 People Die in Afghanistan Earthquake of Magnitude 5.9

An earthquake has struck Afghanistan, resulting in the loss of nearly a thousand lives and leaving hundreds injured. The earthquake, measuring 5.9 on the Richter scale, occurred approximately 46 kilometers southwest of the southeastern city of Khōst. According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake originated around 10 kilometers below the surface.

According to official reports, at least 950 people have been reported dead, with over 600 injured. In response to the situation, the Taliban spokesperson conveyed that instructions were given to authorities to provide food, clothing, and medical assistance to those affected. An emergency meeting was also held to coordinate the response efforts.

Afghanistan experiences frequent earthquakes due to the presence of an active fault line in the east, where the Indian tectonic plate moves northward and collides with the Eurasian plate. Today’s earthquake is the deadliest the country has witnessed since 2002. Reports indicate that the earthquake was also felt in the capital city of Kabul.

Richard Luckett, a seismologist at the British Geological Survey, states that although earthquakes with a magnitude of 5.9 would not typically result in such a high number of casualties, the vulnerability of the structures in the region has contributed to the devastation caused by this earthquake.

In spite of the sanctions imposed since the Taliban regained power last year, the Afghan Red Crescent Society, a humanitarian organization, is on the ground providing assistance to those affected by the disaster. The British diplomat, Hugo Shorter, has expressed the willingness of the UK government to support Afghanistan in any necessary capacity.