Key Facts
• A magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan late on August 31, 2025.
• Taliban government confirmed over 800 deaths and 2,500 injuries as of September 1.
• Kunar Province reported 800 deaths and 2,500 injuries; Nangarhar Province saw 12 deaths and 255 injuries.
• Many low-rise brick homes, common in Afghanistan, were destroyed.
• Strong aftershocks continue, hampering rescue operations in affected areas.
• UN migration agency reported blocked roads preventing access to heavily damaged villages in Kunar.
• The earthquake’s epicenter was 27 km from Jalalabad, with a shallow depth of 8 km.
• UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed condolences and solidarity with Afghanistan.
• Afghanistan has faced devastating earthquakes in recent years, including a 2023 M6.3 quake in Herat that killed 1,500 and a 2022 M5.9 quake in Paktika that killed over 1,000.
Summary
A magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan on August 31, 2025, causing widespread devastation. The Taliban government confirmed over 800 fatalities and 2,500 injuries, with Kunar Province being the hardest hit. Nangarhar Province also reported casualties. The shallow quake, with an epicenter near Jalalabad, destroyed numerous brick homes, leaving many homeless. Rescue efforts are ongoing despite strong aftershocks and blocked roads. UN Secretary-General António Guterres extended condolences and support. Afghanistan has a history of deadly earthquakes, including major incidents in 2023 and 2022. The disaster highlights the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity.
