Hundreds feared dead in Afghanistan earthquake

I’m reporting for 7NEWS Australia on a devastating earthquake that struck Afghanistan this afternoon. A magnitude six quake hit a mountainous region near the Pakistani border, leaving dozens of homes under rubble and hundreds feared dead. This article summarises what we know so far, the immediate response on the ground, and what the coming hours and days may hold for survivors.

Table of Contents

• What happened
• Where it struck
• Damage, casualties and hospitals
• Search and rescue efforts
• Why a magnitude 6 quake can be so destructive
• Immediate needs and likely response
• Conclusion
• FAQ

What happened

A magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck a remote, mountainous area of Afghanistan near the border with Pakistan. Early reports and on-the-ground officials say the tremor caused widespread destruction in isolated villages where buildings are vulnerable to collapse.

"Hundreds are feared dead in Afghanistan after a magnitude six earthquake this afternoon."

Where it struck

The epicentre was in a hard-to-reach mountainous region close to the Pakistan border. The terrain complicates rescue operations and delays the arrival of heavy equipment and medical supplies. Local authorities and emergency crews are working against time to reach affected communities.

Damage, casualties and hospitals

Dozens of homes have been reduced to rubble. The local health ministry reports that hundreds of people have been taken to hospital with injuries. With buildings collapsed and aftershocks possible, officials fear the death toll could rise.

"Dozens of homes are under rubble."

"The local health ministry says hundreds of people have been taken to hospital."

Search and rescue efforts

Rescue crews are desperately searching for survivors amid the rubble. The combination of mountainous roads, damaged infrastructure and remote settlements is making access extremely difficult. Local teams are clearing debris by hand in many locations while attempting to move the injured to medical facilities.

"Rescue crews are now desperately searching for survivors in an area that's difficult to access."

Why a magnitude 6 quake can be so destructive

While a magnitude six quake is considered moderate on the Richter scale, its impact depends heavily on depth, proximity to populated areas, local building standards and terrain. In mountainous or rural regions with vulnerable housing, even a magnitude six event can cause severe damage, especially where emergency services are limited.

Immediate needs and likely response

Priority needs in the immediate aftermath include:

• Search and rescue teams with cutting equipment and trained dogs
• Emergency medical care and transport for the injured
• Temporary shelter, food and water for displaced families
• Rapid assessments of infrastructure damage to roads and bridges

Given the location close to the Pakistan border, cross-border coordination and international aid may be necessary to get supplies and specialist teams into the area quickly.

Conclusion

This earthquake is a tragic event for communities in the affected region. With dozens of homes destroyed and hundreds hospitalised, the coming days will be critical for search and rescue operations and delivering humanitarian assistance. We will continue to follow updates from local authorities and health officials as more information becomes available.

FAQ

How many people have died or been injured?

Initial reports say hundreds are feared dead and hundreds more have been hospitalised. Exact figures are still being confirmed by local authorities as rescue teams reach more communities.

Where did the quake occur?

The earthquake struck a mountainous region of Afghanistan near the Pakistan border. The remote terrain has made access and rescue operations difficult.

What is being done to help survivors?

Local rescue crews are searching for survivors and transporting the injured to hospitals. Emergency responders are prioritising search and rescue, medical treatment and providing temporary shelter and basic supplies.

How can people help?

At this stage, the most effective help is to follow updates from verified humanitarian organisations and donate to recognised relief agencies that are coordinating emergency response in the region. Avoid sharing unverified images or rumours, as they can hinder relief efforts.