A powerful 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck southeastern Afghanistan late Sunday, resulting in at least 800 fatalities and injuring more than 2,800 people, according to officials. The quake occurred at 11:47 p.m. local time, with its epicenter located near Jalalabad, a major city in Nangarhar province.

The tremors were felt across the region, including neighboring countries such as Pakistan and India. The earthquake has been described as one of the most devastating disasters in Afghanistan in recent years. In the provinces of Nangarhar and Kunar, several areas experienced significant destruction, with three villages completely flattened. Kunar province alone reported over 600 deaths.

In response to the disaster, the Taliban government has mobilized various teams to provide assistance. These teams are focused on security, health, transportation, and food supply to ensure comprehensive support for those affected. Authorities have conducted at least 40 flights to transport the deceased and more than 400 injured individuals to medical facilities.

Afghanistan is known for its susceptibility to earthquakes, having experienced multiple tremors of over 5.0 magnitude in recent months. This earthquake is the most severe since a similar 6.0 magnitude quake in June 2022, which resulted in over 1,000 deaths.

The country's vulnerability to seismic activity is attributed to its geographical location at the convergence of two major tectonic plates: the Indian plate and the Eurasian plate. The ongoing collision between these plates generates regular seismic events, particularly in the Hindu Kush mountain range.