Afghanistan earthquake toll: 2,205 killed, 3,640 injured

By Sohrab Sarwari, KABUL (Pajhwok), Sept 4: The death toll from the devastating earthquake in eastern Kunar province has risen to 2,205, and the number of injured reached 3,640, while the rescue operation is still ongoing, an official said on Thursday.

Hamdullah Fitrat, deputy spokesman of the Islamic Emirate, stated in a statement on X: “In the Mazar Dara area of Nurgal district, in the Diva-Gul Dara area of Chawkay district, Chapadara, and other earthquake-affected areas of Manogai district, hundreds of bodies have so far been recovered from the rubble of destroyed homes during search and rescue operations. With this, the total number of martyrs has reached 2,205, and the injured 3,640.”

He clarified that search and rescue efforts are still ongoing. Tents have been set up for people in various areas, and the delivery of initial and urgent aid is continuing in an organised manner.

The earthquake struck around midnight on Sunday in the provinces of Kunar, Laghman, Nangarhar, Nuristan and Panjshir, with the higher casualties and damage occurring in Kunar.