A devastating 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan late Sunday night, claiming over 800 lives and injuring more than 2,500, according to the Taliban government. The hardest-hit area is Kunar Province, with additional casualties in neighboring Nangarhar, Laghman, and Nuristan provinces.

The quake occurred around 11:47 p.m. local time at a shallow depth of just 8 kilometers, significantly amplifying its destructive force. Entire villages, particularly in Nurgal district, were flattened—many constructed from mud and wood, which crumbled under the tremor. Multiple aftershocks, including at least one measuring 5.2, further intensified the chaos.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, more than 1.2 million people likely experienced strong or very strong shaking from the quake.

Rescue operations are severely hindered by Afghanistan’s rugged terrain, landslides, and blocked routes, with many regions still unreachable. Emergency responders, including helicopters, aid organizations, and international teams, are mobilizing to assist survivors as casualty numbers are expected to rise.