Death Toll from Kunar and Nangarhar Earthquakes Rises to Over 800

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Agence France-Presse, citing the Taliban, has reported that the death toll from the deadly earthquakes in Kunar and Nangarhar provinces has risen to more than 800. The Taliban stated that most of the casualties occurred in Kunar, particularly in Nurgal district, where several villages were completely destroyed.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) on Monday (September 1) expressed condolences to the families of the victims and announced its readiness to provide emergency aid to those affected. In its statement, UNAMA said: “We are deeply saddened and distressed by the heavy loss of life, injuries, and widespread destruction caused by the earthquakes in the eastern provinces.”

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has also expressed sorrow over the deadly quake in Kunar. Additionally, several UN agencies and the government of Iran have announced readiness to deliver emergency assistance.

The Taliban have claimed that some medical teams have been dispatched to Kunar to treat the injured.

The earthquake, measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale, struck at 11:47 p.m. northeast of Jalalabad, the capital of Nangarhar. The quake has since been followed by several aftershocks.