Jalalabad
Afghanistan’s eastern provinces were shaken once again on Tuesday, when a 5.2-magnitude tremor struck less than 48 hours after a powerful earthquake had devastated the region. The fresh quake deepened fear among residents already reeling from the destruction that claimed over 1,400 lives in Nangarhar and Kunar provinces.
Aftershock within 48 hours
The tremor, which struck in the morning hours, originated close to the epicentre of Sunday’s 6.0-magnitude quake. While no major casualties have been reported so far from the latest jolt, officials warned that fragile structures could collapse, further endangering survivors and rescue teams. The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed the magnitude at 5.2, describing it as an aftershock.
Ongoing rescue efforts
Rescue operations in the mountainous terrain remain challenging. Thousands of families have been rendered homeless, and reports suggest that entire villages were reduced to rubble in the earlier quake. The Taliban administration has deployed emergency teams, but limited resources and difficult access roads have slowed operations.
International agencies, including the United Nations, have described the situation as a “race against time.” With thousands still believed to be trapped under debris, aid organisations have urged immediate global support in the form of medical supplies, food, clean water, and temporary shelters.
Rising toll and growing challenges
The Ministry of Disaster Management in Kabul has confirmed over 3,100 injured and more than 5,400 homes destroyed. Hospitals in Jalalabad and neighbouring districts are overwhelmed, with doctors working round the clock amid shortages of medicines and blood supplies.
Survivors, many of whom spent two nights in the open fearing aftershocks, said they were terrified by the fresh tremor. “We thought the mountains would collapse on us. People ran out screaming, crying for help,” said a resident of Kunar province.
Regional response and appeal for aid
Neighbouring Pakistan has pledged emergency assistance, while humanitarian agencies from across Asia and Europe are preparing relief consignments. The World Health Organization and Red Crescent have already mobilised teams to provide urgent care. However, officials warn that without sustained international support, the crisis could worsen.
Conclusion
The second quake has compounded the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Afghanistan’s east. While its immediate impact appears limited compared to Sunday’s disaster, the psychological trauma and the risk of further structural collapses remain high. The focus continues to be on accelerating rescue efforts and delivering aid to the thousands left stranded, homeless, and grieving.