At least 259 dead, 530 injuries reported as earthquake strikes eastern Afghanistan

September 1, 2025 by News Desk

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A powerful earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan late on Sunday night, killing at least 259 people and injuring more than 530 across several districts, officials and state media reported on Monday.

According to the provincial disaster authority, the 6.0-magnitude quake hit Kunar and Nangarhar provinces around 11:47 p.m. local time on August 31. The U.S. Geological Survey said the epicenter was located 27 kilometers northeast of Jalalabad, the capital of Nangarhar, at a shallow depth of eight kilometers.

Strong tremors were felt in Kabul and nearby provinces, and local reports said internet services and communications were disrupted in several areas.

The Bakhtar News Agency confirmed that casualties were spread across remote mountainous districts, where rescue teams are still struggling to reach survivors due to poor connectivity and difficult terrain. Officials warned that the death toll may rise as more information comes in from cut-off villages.

Earlier, Afghanistan National Radio and TV reported nine deaths and 20 injuries in Nangarhar province, but the figures climbed sharply as assessments came in from affected areas.

The tremors were also felt in several parts of Kashmir.

Emergency response efforts are underway, with authorities dispatching aid and medical teams to the worst-hit districts.