In a catastrophic turn of events, a powerful 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan late Sunday night, claiming the lives of at least 800 people and injuring over 2,500 others. The quake, which hit at 11:47 p.m. local time, centered around the province of Kunar, near the city of Jalalabad, wreaking havoc across multiple towns and villages. Eyewitness reports describe scenes of utter devastation as buildings crumbled and residents were trapped beneath the rubble.

Rescue efforts are currently underway, with emergency responders working tirelessly to reach survivors in the mountainous terrain, where blocked roads have forced aid workers to trek for hours. Helicopters are being deployed to transport the injured to local hospitals, but the challenges are immense. Footage from the region shows frantic villagers digging through debris, desperately searching for loved ones, as cries for help pierce the air.

The Taliban government’s chief spokesperson confirmed the staggering death toll and highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that many structures in the area are poorly constructed and ill-equipped to withstand such seismic events. As aftershocks continue to rattle the region, the urgency for aid and support grows more critical by the minute.

Survivors recount harrowing tales of watching their homes collapse and the chaos that ensued. The destruction extends beyond physical damage, with communications severely disrupted, complicating rescue and relief efforts. As the world watches, the people of Afghanistan face an overwhelming crisis, and immediate assistance is desperately needed to save lives and provide shelter for those affected. This tragic event underscores the vulnerability of communities in disaster-prone regions, highlighting the urgent need for international aid and support.