PESHAWAR, Pakistan — A powerful earthquake measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale struck eastern Afghanistan early Monday, resulting in at least 250 fatalities and over 500 injuries, according to local officials. The quake occurred approximately 17 miles from Jalalabad, close to the Pakistan border, at midnight local time, leading to widespread devastation in a region characterized by challenging terrain.

Rescue operations are underway to assist those impacted, though the remote and rugged geography is complicating efforts. Sharafat Zaman, a spokesperson for the Afghan Public Health Ministry, noted that it will be some time before a complete assessment of casualties and damage can be made.

“Currently, we have mobilized hundreds of personnel to conduct a large-scale rescue operation in the affected areas,” Zaman stated, highlighting the urgency of the situation. The region experienced at least five aftershocks throughout the day, with magnitudes ranging from 4.5 to 5.2, adding to the distress of residents.

Earthquakes pose a significant threat in Afghanistan, a country located on major fault lines where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates converge. The mountainous landscape further exacerbates the situation, as landslides often impede access for emergency services. This recent tremor was particularly destructive due to its shallow depth of 5 miles, making it more damaging compared to other quakes of similar magnitude.

Afghanistan has a traumatic history with seismic events. In June 2022, a 5.9-magnitude earthquake killed roughly 1,000 people and left thousands injured, while a series of strong quakes in western Afghanistan’s Herat province in 2023 took the lives of around 1,500 individuals, according to the United Nations.

This latest disaster comes at a precarious time for the Afghan populace, already grappling with severe economic hardships and food insecurity. The country has endured four consecutive years of drought, and more than 2.3 million Afghans have returned this year from Iran and Pakistan, often facing dire conditions upon their return.

The Famine Early Warning Systems Network has raised concerns regarding decreased crop yields and livestock production, warning that these factors limit the community’s ability to stock food ahead of winter. The dual crises of natural disaster and economic instability are heightening the urgency for humanitarian aid and support.

As rescue efforts continue, the future for many families in the affected regions remains uncertain, underscoring the critical need for immediate assistance and long-term support as Afghanistan navigates through this tumultuous period.