Death toll reaches 812, over 2,800 injured in Afghanistan quake

By Sohrab Sarwari, KABUL (Pajhwok), Sept 1: The death toll from the devastating earthquake in eastern Afghanistan has reached 812, with more than 2,800 people injured. The government has formed a special committee to coordinate the response and allocated 100 million afghanis for immediate relief.

The earthquake struck around midnight and measured 6.0 on the Richter scale, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

Zabihullah Mujahid, chief spokesman for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), told reporters in Kabul on Monday that in Kunar province’s Nurgal district (Mazar Dara), Chawkay, Watapur, Manogi, Chapa Dara and surrounding areas, 800 people have died and 2,500 were injured.

In Nangarhar’s Dara-i-Noor district, 12 people were killed and 255 were injured.

Laghman’s Alingar district reported 58 injuries, and Nuristan’s Nurgram district reported four injuries.

In Panjshir’s Abshar district, five houses were destroyed, but no casualties were reported.

Mujahid said the Prime Minister has formed a special committee led by the Minister of Rural Rehabilitation and Development, Mullah Mohammad Yunus Akhundzada, with representatives from various ministries and agencies.

“For urgent relief, the respected Prime Minister has allocated 100 million afghanis, which are being used now. Additional funds will be provided if needed,” he added.

Since Sunday night, the Ministries of Interior, Defence and Public Health, along with provincial governors, disaster response departments, the Red Crescent and other officials, have taken measures to evacuate the deceased, transfer the injured, and deliver essential food, medical supplies, and other necessities. Forty flights have been conducted from Nangarhar’s airport alone.

Mujahid urged all charitable organisations, traders, and ordinary Afghans to support earthquake-affected communities.