A powerful earthquake struck northeastern Afghanistan on Sunday, leaving widespread destruction across several provinces. Officials confirmed that at least 800 people were killed and more than 2,800 injured. The tremor, measured at magnitude 6.0, hit densely populated areas in the early morning hours, when many residents were still indoors.

The epicenter was located in the Hindu Kush mountain range, but the quake’s impact was felt across multiple provinces, including Badakhshan, Takhar, and Baghlan. Entire neighborhoods were reported flattened, with homes, shops, and public buildings reduced to rubble. Landslides triggered by the shaking blocked roads, making rescue efforts difficult.

Emergency teams, supported by international organizations, have been deployed to assist with search and rescue operations. Local hospitals are struggling to treat the influx of patients, with many facilities lacking sufficient medical supplies and staff. Humanitarian agencies have warned that the death toll may rise as recovery operations continue and as more remote areas are reached.

Afghanistan is highly vulnerable to seismic activity due to its location near major geological fault lines. Poorly constructed housing and limited disaster-response infrastructure increase the risk of high casualties during earthquakes. This latest disaster comes as the country is already facing economic challenges, political instability, and limited access to international aid, compounding the difficulty of recovery.

The United Nations, neighboring countries, and humanitarian agencies have expressed condolences and offered assistance. Relief efforts are now focusing on providing shelter, food, and medical care to survivors, with particular concern for those trapped under debris and displaced families facing exposure to harsh conditions.

Sources: Reuters, CNN, Al Jazeera BBC