A powerful earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale struck the northeastern region of Afghanistan, with the epicenter reportedly in the Badakhshan province. The tremor rattled the area late Tuesday, sending people rushing into the streets and causing structural damage across several cities. Residents described how the ground shook violently for seconds that felt much longer, prompting urgent fears for homes, clinics, and schools that might have been built without modern seismic protections. The seismic event was strong enough to be felt in neighboring countries, including Pakistan and India, drawing immediate attention from authorities and aid agencies coordinating relief efforts across the region.
Local authorities in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province reported casualties and injuries in the wake of the quake. Dawn newspaper cited officials saying at least two people were confirmed dead and more than 150 were injured as emergency teams rushed to the affected districts. The situation remained fluid as responders assessed damaged neighborhoods in urban centers like Islamabad and Lahore and small towns across the province. Local hospitals and clinics prepared for an influx of patients with suspected trauma, while power outages and aftershocks complicated the initial response. The numbers were expected to evolve as assessments continued and more communities were surveyed.
Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the Taliban, issued a message on social media directing Afghan authorities to mobilize all possible resources to assist people affected by the quake. The appeal urged rapid checks on homes, schools, hospitals, and public buildings in provinces such as Badakhshan, Takhar, Kunduz, and Panjshir, calling for immediate relief and safety measures. Aid workers noted the need for temporary shelters, medical supplies, and clean water as aftershocks persisted. Community leaders emphasized that vulnerable households, including the elderly and those living in precarious housing, would require sustained support in the hours and days ahead.
The tremor also produced sensations across northern India, with residents reporting strong shaking in states including Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Punjab. Local authorities and emergency management agencies coordinated with state and federal teams to evaluate structural damage, check for casualties, and provide urgent relief where needed. Media outlets in the region confirmed ongoing risk of aftershocks, urging residents to stay away from unstable buildings and to follow official safety guidance. While the full scope of impact remained under review, officials urged calm and urged people to rely on verified information from trusted sources.