Strong Earthquake Leaves more than 1000 People Dead in Afghanistan

A 5.9-magnitude earthquake rocked southeastern Afghanistan near the Pakistani border on Wednesday 22nd June, killing at least 1,000 people and injuring over 1,500 more.

Christine Juma Christine Juma
Jun 23, 2022 - 13:16
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Strong Earthquake Leaves more than 1000 People Dead in Afghanistan

According to the USGS, the quake registered at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), and it was classed as a yellow alert level, signifying a somewhat confined impact.


The State Ministry of Disaster Management stated that the majority of the deaths occurred in Paktika province, specifically in the districts of Giyan, Nika, Barmal, and Zirok.

More than 1,000 people have been killed, and at least 1,500 have been injured "in Gayan and Barmal districts of Paktika province alone," Mohammad Amin Hozaifa, head of Paktika province's communication and culture department, told CNN in a phone conversation Wednesday.

According to the disaster management administration, 25 people were murdered and several others were injured in nearby Khost province, and five people were killed in Nangarhar province.
Photos from Paktika province, just south of Khost province, show dwellings reduced to rubble, with only a few walls and broken roof beams remaining.

Many of the areas' traditional houses are made of mud and other natural materials, making them vulnerable to damage.

According to Najibullah Sadid, an Afghan water resources management expert, the earthquake occurred during a period of heavy monsoon rain in the region, rendering traditional dwellings, many of which are made of mud and other natural materials, more vulnerable to damage.

"The timing of the earthquake (in the) dark of night ... and the shallow depth of 10 kilometers of its epicenter led to higher casualties," he added.

Pope Francis prayed for the departed souls and wished for a speedy recovery for the injured ones.

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