A New Earthquake Aftershock Hits Afghanistan Amid Humanitarian Crisis

Sat Sep 13 2025 16:07:56 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A magnitude-5.2 aftershock struck eastern Afghanistan, compounding the devastation from a recent major earthquake that resulted in over 1,400 fatalities and severe disruptions to rescue efforts. International aid is now urgently needed for the affected regions.

After a catastrophic earthquake killed more than 1,400 people in eastern Afghanistan, a magnitude-5.2 aftershock rocked the region, complicating already challenging rescue operations. The Taliban government has called for international assistance as reports of ongoing needs for food, shelter, and medical care emerge from affected communities.

A fresh magnitude-5.2 aftershock has struck eastern Afghanistan - two days after a powerful quake in the same region killed more than 1,400 people and injured 3,000 others, according to the Taliban government.

Rescue efforts following Sunday's magnitude-six quake have been complicated by landslides that have blocked roads, making land travel difficult.

Helicopters have been deployed to aid the search for survivors in the ruins of remote villages, where many are feared trapped under the rubble.

The Taliban government - which is only recognized by Russia - has appealed for international help. The UN has released emergency funds, while the UK has pledged £1m ($1.3m) in aid.

Afghanistan is prone to earthquakes, but Sunday's tremor was one of the strongest to hit in recent years.

The aftershock on Tuesday came at 12:29 (07:59 GMT) with its epicenter 34km (21 miles) away from Jalalabad, the country's fifth-largest city, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). It was shallow, at only 10km deep.

A BBC reporter in the Sawkai district - one of the worst affected areas in the north-eastern Kunar province - said they felt a strong jolt. There are no reports of damage or new casualties.

Helicopters are being used to airlift survivors out of remote villages in Kunar province - where most of the deaths and injuries occurred.

Rescue efforts are hampered by difficult terrain as some helicopters struggle to land in affected regions. Survivor Bas Marjana recounted the terrifying moments when the earthquake struck: We were all in deep, peaceful sleep when... a sudden tremor struck, and the world turned upside down.

As recovery efforts continue, aid organization Save the Children has dispatched medical teams to treat people in urgent need, emphasizing the dire situation faced by children affected by the earthquake.

The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, exacerbated by drought and a lack of aid, has created compounding challenges for survivors seeking assistance.