Devastating Double Earthquakes in Afghanistan: Over 1,400 Lives Lost in Minutes – Rescue Teams Race Against Time!
The Taliban have urged the world for urgent help as Afghanistan faces a major disaster from back-to-back earthquakes. More than 1,400 people have died, and thousands are hurt. Rescue workers are finding it hard to get to far-off places, and the number of deaths is likely to go up.
The first earthquake hit on Sunday with a strength of 6.0. It struck the eastern part of Kunar province, near the border with Pakistan. Whole villages were wiped out, leaving people buried under fallen homes made of mud and stone.
These homes were built on steep hills, making the damage worse. The quake was shallow, only six miles deep, which means it caused more harm on the surface. Rain and rough land have slowed down the search for survivors.
On Tuesday, a second quake of 5.5 strength shook the south-eastern area. It was also shallow at six miles deep. This has raised worries about more harm to already weak buildings and trapped people.
Before the second quake, officials reported 1,411 deaths and over 3,000 injuries. A Taliban spokesperson shared these numbers. They expect more bad news as teams reach cut-off spots, some still out of reach after a full day.
A group that helps with aid and has teams on the ground said the second quake hurt more people. This will likely push the death toll even higher. They are working in the hit areas to offer support.
The health ministry in Kabul has asked for outside help to deal with the loss. A spokesperson said many have lost lives and homes. They need supplies right away to help those affected.
Afghanistan was already in a tough spot with money problems and less aid from abroad. This started after the Taliban took control in 2021. Their strict rules, like stopping girls from school and work, have led to cuts in funding and help.
The earthquakes add more pressure on the Taliban leaders. The country is also dealing with many Afghans sent back from Iran and Pakistan lately. This makes it harder to handle the crisis.
The Sunday quake flattened three villages in Kunar and damaged many more. At least 610 died in Kunar, and 12 in nearby Nangarhar. Officials are still counting the full loss.
Scenes of Heartbreak in Destroyed Villages
Ghazi Abad village in Kunar’s Nurgal district is now just ruins. Every home is gone, turned into piles of dirt and rocks. Many locals are still stuck under the mess.
Villagers sit crying near the broken remains of their lives. Some dig with their hands to clear the way. They carry hurt people on simple beds made from cloth and sticks.
One local, Abdullah, said no house is left standing. The quake ended normal life in seconds. Nearby villages faced the same fate, all leveled to the ground.
He added that the real damage will show in days ahead. Many are trapped, and searches go on. Losses are big, with no food or clean water for those left.
People are helping each other to find survivors and pull out bodies. In some homes, whole families are gone, leaving only animals behind. The pain is deep in these communities.
Another person who lived through it called for quick aid. They need cars to take the hurt, doctors to treat them, and tools to get the dead. Everything is urgent now.
In Kunar, villagers wrap the dead in white cloth, including kids. They pray and bury them fast. Helicopters take the wounded to city hospitals for care.
Challenges in Rescue and Calls for Global Support
Rescue teams fight to reach high mountain spots with no phone signals near Pakistan. Heavy rain brings risks of land slides and blocks roads. It’s a tough job in bad weather.
The defense ministry sent military groups to the area. They have done 40 flights to move 420 hurt or dead people. Efforts continue day and night to save lives.
Experts say the world must act fast to help. Afghanistan’s own aid groups are weak and need support. They suggest using frozen government money for relief work through trusted groups.
One expert noted that Pakistan should stop sending back Afghans now. The country can’t handle more people during this time of need. It’s a key moment for kindness.
Britain has promised emergency money for the victims. They will send it through their own groups, not directly to the Taliban. This ensures it reaches those who need it.
The US shared sad words for the lost lives on social media. They have not said yet if they will give any help. The world watches to see what comes next.
This disaster shows how fragile life is in Afghanistan. Earthquakes hit hard in poor areas with weak buildings. People there face daily struggles, now made worse.
Rescue workers keep going, hoping to find more alive. Families wait for news of loved ones. The nation holds its breath as the full story unfolds.
Aid from abroad could make a big difference. It might help rebuild homes and lives. But time is short, and needs are huge in these remote spots.
The earthquakes remind us of nature’s power. They also highlight the need for better prep in risky zones. Afghanistan’s people show strength in hard times.
As days pass, stories of loss and hope will emerge. Survivors share tales of quick shakes that changed everything. The road to recovery will be long.
Communities band together in grief. They dig, pray, and wait for help. The world has a chance to step up and ease their pain.
