While Afghanistan struggles in the wake of Monday's earthquake, a Taliban government official has confirmed that the death toll is now over 800. (Image Source: X.com/@GBAFReview)
From 600 to 800: Afghanistan Death Toll Rises
While Afghanistan struggles in the wake of Monday's earthquake, a Taliban government official has confirmed that the death toll is now over 800. This newest report comes as a stark increase from the initial reported toll of 600.
Rescue efforts are ongoing to locate missing individuals beneath the rubble and destruction caused by the powerful quakes.
"The casualty toll is heavy, but as the region is hard to reach, our rescue teams are still in the area," health ministry official Sharafat Zaman told the media in a statement during the rescue operation.
Also Read: Powerful Earthquake Hits Eastern Afghanistan, Over 600 Dead
According to USGS, the earthquake measuring 6.3 occurred close to Jalalabad in Nangarhar province. Following the earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale, a 4.7-scale quake hit at approximately 140 km depth, not very far from the epicenter of the first shock.
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Monday's earthquake is also the deadliest to hit the region since 2023. Two years before, the region experienced a 6.3 earthquake and subsequent strong aftershocks. According to the Taliban, approximately 4,000 individuals were killed by the quake. Nevertheless, according to United Nations data, at least 1,500 were killed.
Afghanistan is susceptible to catastrophic earthquakes, especially in the Hindu Kush mountain system, where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates converge.
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