Fresh tremors hit Afghanistan early Friday as aftershocks continue to worsen crisis

Kabul: Afghanistan continues to grapple with the devastation caused by a series of powerful earthquakes, the latest being a magnitude 4.9 tremor that struck at 3:16 AM IST on Friday, according to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS). The quake, recorded at a depth of 120 km with its epicentre in Afghanistan’s eastern mountainous region, follows two earlier earthquakes, a 5.8 magnitude tremor at 10:26 PM and a 4.1 magnitude shock at 11:58 PM on Thursday night.

These fresh tremors compound the suffering from previous colossal quakes that have rocked provinces like Kunar and Nangarhar. Official figures and international agencies report an escalating death toll, now exceeding 1,400, with over 3,000 confirmed injured as rescue operations continue. The World Food Programme (WFP) reported that emergency aid has been dispatched to Kunar and Nangarhar, the worst-hit provinces, where communities were already on edge after recent flash floods. Initial shipments included food supplies and high-energy biscuits, with more consignments en route amid challenging logistics and worsening weather.

WFP’s regional director Harald Mannhardt described the devastation: “Homes reduced to rubble, roads destroyed, landslides everywhere, and tragically, lives lost.” Aid teams face access issues amid blocked roads, repeated aftershocks, and rugged terrain.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also confirmed that 21 tonnes of Indian earthquake relief had reached Kabul this week, including blankets, hygiene kits, medicines, tents, portable water purifiers, and essential supplies to support affected populations.

With inputs from ANI