Afghanistan Earthquake Death Toll Crosses 825: India, UN Rush Aid as Hindu Kush Tectonic Shifts Trigger Devastation
The devastating 6.2 magnitude earthquake in Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush mountains has left at least 825 dead and over 3,100 injured, Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed.
Entire villages in Kunar and Nangarhar provinces were destroyed, while landslides blocked key mountain roads and communications.
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| Image Source: SaraWahedi |
International Aid Rushed; Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The Taliban government has allocated 100 million Afghanis (USD 1.5 million) for relief and set up a special committee led by Rural Development Minister Mohammad Younus Akhundzada.
The United Nations dispatched emergency teams, warning that the disaster could worsen Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis, with over half the population already in need of aid.
India extends humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan in the wake of earthquake. https://t.co/LYIk1ZhIqP pic.twitter.com/v2V84gBYfc
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) September 1, 2025
India was among the first responders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences, pledging humanitarian support.
Spoke with Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi today. Expressed our condolences at the loss of lives in the earthquake.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 1, 2025
Conveyed that India has delivered 1000 family tents today in Kabul. 15 tonnes of food material is also being immediately moved by Indian Mission… pic.twitter.com/whO2iTBjS8
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said India delivered 1,000 family tents to Kabul and 15 tonnes of food to Kunar, with further supplies en route.
Iran also announced shipments of medical supplies, while volunteers across Nangarhar lined up to donate blood.
Entire Villages Flattened in Kunar Province
Reports from the ground describe near-total destruction in some villages. In Nurgal District, officials said up to 90% of residents were killed or injured, with thousands of mud-and-stone homes collapsed.
The shallow magnitude 6 earthquake that struck Afghanistan yesterday has been devastating to local residents, with hundreds dead, thousands injured, and extensive infrastructure damage/ruin. Prayers for the people there 🙏https://t.co/ldWpaKg9Za https://t.co/PqKpLBI5ZO pic.twitter.com/qzwTE9oEEk
— Stefan Burns (@StefanBurnsGeo) September 1, 2025
At least 200 deaths and 500 injuries were reported in Chawkay District, while dozens more were killed in Laghman and Nuristan provinces.
⚠️ Earthquake Update ⚠️
— Afghanistan Voice (@Afghanvoicee) September 1, 2025
Unbearable grief 💔
A father who lost his wife, 5 sons, parents – 17 loved ones in total. The pain in his eyes tells the story of an entire nation’s suffering. His only plea: send helicopters to carry the bodies. Humanity must not look away. #Kunar pic.twitter.com/kYd9YhTaKN
Rescue operations are slowed by aftershocks, landslides, and heavy rain. Helicopters have carried out more than 40 flights, airlifting 420 casualties to hospitals.
As reports of deaths and injuries from the #earthquake in eastern region of #Afghanistan continue to emerge, @WHOAfghanistan teams are on the ground in hospitals and health facilities, supporting the treatment of the wounded and assessing urgent health needs.
— WHO Afghanistan (@WHOAfghanistan) September 1, 2025
We are actively… pic.twitter.com/ylplNzcN27
The Afghan Ministry of Defence said 30 doctors and 800 kg of medical supplies had been airlifted to Kunar Province.
Why Afghanistan is Prone to Deadly Quakes
Seismologists link the quake to thrust faulting caused by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates.
Following the earthquake in eastern Afghanistan, @UNDPaf teams reached Dewagal Valley—one of the worst-hit areas. 200+ dead, 500 injured, many trapped.
— UN Development (@UNDP) September 1, 2025
Homes and key infrastructure are destroyed. We’re working to meet urgent needs: shelter, water, food, medicines, livelihoods. pic.twitter.com/HNBp52xIhQ
The Hindu Kush region is one of the world’s most seismically active zones, where earthquakes occur both in the shallow crust and up to 300 km deep due to subduction of the Indian plate.
The epicenter was located just 27 km east of Jalalabad, with tremors felt in Islamabad, Lahore, New Delhi, and as far as northern India.
"🚨 Urgent Appeal: Eastern Afghanistan needs your help! A devastating earthquake has claimed 812 lives and left 2,817 injured in Kunar, with more casualties in Nangarhar, Laghman, and Nuristan. Villages are flattened, and survivors need urgent aid. 💔 Your support can save lives.… pic.twitter.com/LPrI8PleER
— Nilofar Ayoubi 🇦🇫 (@NilofarAyoubi) September 1, 2025
At least 13 aftershocks were recorded, two exceeding magnitude 5.
The Chaman Fault system, a major transform fault in the region, continues to drive frequent and often devastating seismic activity.