Death Toll from Afghanistan Earthquake Rises by 100 More: "1,100 Dead"

Number of Injured Also Rises to 1,600
Rescue Efforts Hampered by Bad Weather and Equipment Shortages

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The death toll from the strong earthquake that struck southeastern Afghanistan has risen to 1,100, an increase of 100 from previous reports. Due to adverse weather conditions and a lack of equipment, search and rescue operations are facing difficulties, raising concerns that the number of casualties will rapidly increase.

According to Afghan local media Tolo News on the 23rd (local time), the number of victims from the earthquake that struck Paktika and Khost provinces near the Pakistan border in southeastern Afghanistan the previous day has risen to 1,100. The Taliban government's Disaster Management Department stated in a press release, "The death toll is 1,100, and the number of injured has also increased to 1,600," adding, "More than 1,000 of the injured are in critical condition."

Immediately after the earthquake damage was reported, the death toll estimated by Taliban authorities and foreign media was about 150, but it has been increasing significantly over time. In particular, since the earthquake occurred around 1 a.m. when most residents were asleep, many were unable to escape and were trapped under building debris, leading to concerns that the number of casualties will increase further.

Taliban authorities and UN-affiliated relief organizations are rushing to transport personnel and equipment for search and rescue, but most of the affected areas are located in remote mountainous regions, making access difficult. Additionally, the severe shortage of local equipment is hampering rescue efforts.

Afghanistan, already suffering from severe economic hardship and worsening famine, is expected to face an aggravated food crisis due to this disaster. The World Food Programme (WFP) stated in a press release, "In Afghanistan, where 19 million people are already experiencing food insecurity, this earthquake will exacerbate the food shortage."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.