A devastating magnitude-6.1 earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan's Paktika Province near Khost city early Saturday, claiming over 1,000 lives, according to the Afghan interim government. Rescue teams are racing against time as remote mountainous terrain and damaged infrastructure complicate relief operations.
The quake, one of the deadliest globally this year, flattened entire villages and left thousands injured. Footage shared by CGTN Global Stringer shows collapsed mud-brick homes and residents digging through rubble with bare hands under cloudy skies.
Senior Taliban officials confirmed emergency response deployments at a press briefing, stating: 'We've mobilized all available resources, including military helicopters, to reach isolated communities.' International aid groups like the Red Cross and UN agencies have begun coordinating support while emphasizing the need for safe humanitarian access.
This disaster highlights Afghanistan's vulnerability to natural catastrophes amid ongoing economic challenges. Climate scientists note the region sits on multiple fault lines, with inadequate infrastructure leaving populations particularly exposed to seismic risks.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
