Afghanistan Hit by Series of Earthquakes, Emergency Aid Underway

Recent Earthquake Activity in Afghanistan

Afghanistan is grappling with the aftermath of multiple earthquakes, the latest being a tremor measuring 4.9 on the Richter scale, which occurred early Friday morning, according to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS). The NCS shared the details on social media, stating, "EQ of M: 4.9, On: 05/09/2025 03:16:43 IST, Lat: 34.57 N, Long: 70.42 E, Depth: 120 Km, Location: Afghanistan."

This earthquake followed two earlier quakes on Thursday, one registering 5.8 and the other 4.1. The NCS reported that the first quake struck at 10:26 PM, while the second occurred at 11:58 PM. The specifics shared included, "EQ of M: 5.8, On: 04/09/2025 22:26:29 IST, Lat: 34.58 N, Long: 70.66 E, Depth: 160 Km, Location: Afghanistan," and "EQ of M: 4.1, On: 04/09/2025 23:58:28 IST, Lat: 34.60 N, Long: 70.50 E, Depth: 50 Km, Location: Afghanistan."

EQ of M: 4.1, On: 04/09/2025 23:58:28 IST, Lat: 34.60 N, Long: 70.50 E, Depth: 50 Km, Location: Afghanistan.
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— National Center for Seismology (@NCS_Earthquake) September 4, 2025

In response to the devastation, the World Food Programme (WFP) has dispatched emergency supplies to the provinces of Kunar and Nangarhar, which have been severely affected. Reports indicate that over 1,400 individuals have lost their lives, and more than 3,000 have sustained injuries. Initial aid includes food items and high-energy biscuits, with plans for additional flights to provide further support and personnel. The WFP highlighted that many communities were already facing challenges due to recent flash floods, and the current weather conditions are likely to worsen the humanitarian situation.

WFP's regional director, Harald Mannhardt, described the destruction, stating, "Homes reduced to rubble, roads destroyed, landslides everywhere, and tragically, lives lost." He emphasized that teams are collaborating with rescue operations and are ready to scale up efforts as the needs increase. However, rescue missions are being hampered by blocked roads, difficult terrain, and ongoing aftershocks.

Earlier this week, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced via social media that Indian relief supplies had arrived in Kabul. He detailed that 21 tonnes of essential materials, including blankets, tents, hygiene kits, water storage tanks, generators, kitchen utensils, portable water purifiers, sleeping bags, essential medicines, wheelchairs, hand sanitizers, water purification tablets, and ORS solutions, were airlifted to assist those affected.