A powerful 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan late on August 31, 2025, leaving a trail of death and destruction. According to officials, the quake killed at least 800 people and injured more than 2,500. The tremor hit at 11:47 pm local time, with its epicenter located 27 kilometers northeast of Jalalabad in Nangarhar province at a shallow depth of just 8 kilometers, which made the impact catastrophic.
Epicenter and Worst-Affected Areas
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that while Nangarhar was near the epicenter, the worst-hit areas were in Kunar province. Entire communities in districts such as Nur Gul, Soki, Watpur, Manogi, and Chapadare have been devastated. Local authorities confirmed that hundreds of homes collapsed, reducing entire villages to rubble. Many families were buried under debris, and survivors spent the night in the open, fearing aftershocks.
Casualties and Rising Death Toll
Initial reports estimated the death toll in the hundreds, but the number quickly climbed as rescue teams reached remote areas. By Monday morning, Afghan officials confirmed at least 800 deaths with over 2,500 people injured. Hospitals in Jalalabad and surrounding regions were overwhelmed, as doctors and volunteers struggled to treat the injured. Many of the victims were women and children, caught in their sleep when the quake struck.
Rescue Efforts Amid Harsh Challenges
Rescue operations began immediately but were severely hampered by mountainous terrain, landslides, and damaged roads. In many villages, survivors dug through rubble with their bare hands to search for loved ones. The Taliban government deployed emergency teams and called for international support. Helicopters were dispatched to reach cut-off areas, but poor infrastructure and aftershocks slowed down relief efforts.
United Nations and Global Response
The United Nations in Afghanistan expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. In a statement, the UN said: “Our teams are already on the ground delivering emergency assistance and lifesaving support. Our thoughts are with the affected communities.”
International aid has started flowing, though Afghanistan’s ongoing humanitarian crisis and reduced funding remain serious challenges.
India Extends Support and Solidarity
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed condolences and support for the Afghan people. “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to the earthquake in Afghanistan. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families in this difficult hour, and we wish a speedy recovery to the injured. India stands ready to provide all possible humanitarian aid and relief,” he posted on X.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also assured that India would provide assistance, stating: “India will extend help in this hour of need. Our condolences to the families of the victims and prayers for early recovery of the injured.”
India has already dispatched 1,000 family tents and 15 tonnes of food aid to Kabul, with further relief measures planned.
Echoes of Past Earthquakes
Afghanistan is prone to earthquakes due to its location on the collision zone of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. Structures made of mud and stone are especially vulnerable. This tragedy comes just years after the June 2022 quake that killed more than 1,000 people in Paktika province and the Herat quakes of 2023 that claimed hundreds of lives. For a country already battling poverty, conflict, and limited aid, the latest disaster has deepened the humanitarian crisis.
Humanitarian Aid and the Road Ahead
The Taliban authorities have appealed for urgent international aid. Relief organizations warn that the actual death toll could rise further as rescuers gain access to remote areas. The UN, India, China, and Iran have pledged support, but the country’s fragile infrastructure, harsh terrain, and funding cuts remain major obstacles.
As Afghanistan grieves, the disaster underscores the urgent need for stronger preparedness, safer housing, and sustained international cooperation to prevent future tragedies of this scale.
What This Tragedy Reveals
The devastating earthquake in Afghanistan has left a trail of destruction, claiming more than 800 lives and injuring over 2,500 people. Kunar province has suffered the heaviest losses, with entire villages reduced to rubble, leaving thousands homeless and vulnerable. Rescue teams are working tirelessly, but damaged roads and landslides are slowing relief efforts.
The United Nations has deployed emergency aid, while India and other countries have pledged humanitarian support. This tragedy underscores Afghanistan’s fragile infrastructure and urgent need for international assistance. The world now watches as survivors struggle to rebuild amid one of the deadliest quakes in recent years.
True Spirituality: A Path to Peace and Balance with Nature
The devastating earthquake in Afghanistan once again reminds us of the fragile bond between humanity and nature. According to Tatvdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji , true spirituality not only uplifts the soul but also nurtures the environment. His followers set an example by living a drug-free life, planting trees, avoiding unnecessary harm to nature, and maintaining cleanliness in their surroundings. When a human being lives with purity and compassion, the soul finds peace, and when souls are content, God Himself is pleased.
A pleased God, in turn, keeps the Earth balanced and safe. But today, blind industrialization, greed for wealth, and disregard for nature are disturbing this balance, leading to disasters like earthquakes. The real solution lies in embracing true devotion (Sat-Bhakti) which will lead us to go to the Eternal Abode Satlok as described in the Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18 Verse 66, which Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj is presently guiding humanity towards. For more authentic knowledge, visit our official website –
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Devastating Earthquake in Afghanistan
Q1. Where did the Afghanistan earthquake strike?
The epicenter was near Jalalabad in Nangarhar, with Kunar province the worst affected.
Q2. How many people have died in the earthquake?
At least 800 people have been confirmed dead.
Q3. How many people were injured?
Around 2,500 people have been reported injured.
Q4. Which areas were worst hit?
Villages in Kunar province, including Nur Gul, Soki, Watpur, Manogi and Chapadare, suffered massive destruction.
Q5. What international aid has been sent?
The UN is delivering emergency assistance, and India has sent tents, food supplies, and offered further support.
