Over 800 killed after 6.3 magnitude earthquake in Afghanistan, rescue ops underway

Rescue operations are underway to find missing people under the destruction and rubble caused by the strong tremors.

Updated on: Sep 1, 2025, 13:48:09 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

As Afghanistan reels in from the aftermath of Monday's earthquake, a spokesperson for the Taliban government has stated that the death toll now stands over 800. This latest update comoes as a stark rise from the earlier reported toll of 600.

People carry an earthquake victim on a stretcher to an ambulance at an airport in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, (REUTERS)

Rescue operations are underway to find missing people under the destruction and rubble caused by the strong tremors.

Also Read | What we know about the Afghanistan earthquake today

"The number of casualties and injuries is high, but since the area is difficult to access, our teams are still on site," health ministry spokesperson Sharafat Zaman said in a statement amid the rescue operations.

As per USGS, the magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck near Jalalabad, Nangarhar province. After the 6.3 magnitude tremor, a 4.7 magnitude earthquake occurred at a depth of around 140 km, not far from the epicentre of the initial tremor.

Reports also added that the tremors from this earthquake were felt in Pakistan as well.

Deadliest since 2023

Monday's earthquake is also the deadliest to strike the region since 2023. Two years ago, a 6.3 earthquake struck the region and was followed by strong aftershocks. As per Taliban, around 4,000 people were killed due to the quake. However, as per data from the United Nations, at least 1,500 people were killed.

Afghanistan is prone to deadly earthquakes, particularly in the Hindu Kush mountain range, where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates meet.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest headlines from US news and global updates from Pakistan, Nepal, UK, Bangladesh, Russia and US Iran war Live, get all the latest headlines in one place on Hindustan Times.