Alert+

Afghanistan Hit by 6.0 Magnitude Earthquake

Earthquake Strikes Eastern Afghanistan, Tremors Felt in Pakistan

Intelligence cut off: 11:00 BST 01 SEPTEMBER 2025

On 31 August, a magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck near Jalalabad, Afghanistan, devastating the eastern provinces of Kunar and Nangarhar. The quake resulted in heavy casualties and widespread destruction, with the death toll continuing to rise as rescue operations progress. The latest figures presented by the Taliban-run Interior Ministry at approximately 09:00 UTC, 1 September, place the death toll at 800, with 2,500 injuries across the affected areas.

The most affected area is Kunar’s Nurgal district, where at least three villages have been destroyed. Afghan disaster officials warned that hundreds of people might still be trapped beneath the rubble. In Nangarhar province, at least 10 deaths and 250 injuries were reported, with Dara-I-Nur district among the hardest-hit locations. The Taliban authorities dispatched relief teams to assist with search and rescue operations in the worst-affected regions.

The earthquake’s tremors were also felt across the border in Pakistan, with shaking reported in Islamabad, Peshawar, Hangu, Mansehra, and Malakand. Precautionary measures were implemented in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and the federal capital region, though no significant casualties have been confirmed at this stage.

INTELLIGENCE ANALYSIS

Infrastructure Fragility in Afghanistan and Pakistan Hampers Relief

Afghanistan is prone to large earthquakes, particularly in the Hindu Kush mountain range, where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. Aftershocks are highly likely in the next days to weeks. While most will likely be small-to-moderate (magnitude 3.0 to 4.0), further magnitude 5.0 or above earthquakes remain a realistic possibility and could result in significant damage.

Afghanistan is one of the least disaster-resilient countries in the world, and given the prevalence of unreinforced, non-earthquake-resilient buildings, even moderate aftershocks could trigger secondary collapses, complicate rescue operations, and result in further casualties.

Topography in the affected regions and adjoining Pakistani districts (Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Lower Dir) makes landslides and rockfall a significant risk, particularly along river valleys and cut slopes. Slope failures could block roads, isolate impacted communities, and cause flooding if river channels are dammed.

Damage to water and sanitation networks will likely increase the likelihood of waterborne diseases, adding further strain on hospitals and clinics. Access constraints, including debris, landslides, damaged bridges, and the presence of non-state armed actors in parts of eastern Afghanistan, will almost certainly complicate the provision of humanitarian aid and disaster relief.

In Pakistan, while no significant damage has been recorded, localised infrastructure disruption in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly temporary road closures and communications outages, is highly likely. An elevated landslide risk in hill districts following aftershocks or rainfall could further exacerbate the humanitarian situation following monsoon flooding. Furthermore, there will likely be congestion at the Torkham border crossing if humanitarian flows and medical referrals increase.

Access will likely be constrained in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, with debris-blocked roads, infrastructural damage, and continuing aftershocks and slope failures impeding ground movement on both sides of the border.

Travel and Safety Guidance for Afghanistan and Pakistan

Closely monitor local news reports and government alerts.
Expect aftershocks. Be prepared to Drop, Cover, Hold On in case of further tremors.
During a tremor, if outside, do not enter buildings and move away from buildings, trees, streetlights and overhead lines.
If inside, pick a safe place (under a sturdy table or desk, or against an interior wall and away from windows and heavy furniture). Do not leave until the shaking stops.
If evacuating a building, always use the stairs. Look out for fires and falling debris.
Prepare an emergency ‘go bag’ with essentials such as bottled water, batteries, important documents, and medications.
Confirm booked flights are running prior to checking out of hotels or travelling to the airport.
Management should maintain communication with individuals affected until the event is concluded.
Heed evacuation orders and travel to government-issued shelters if safe to do so.
Adhere to all instructions issued by authorities.
Ensure important documents and medications are appropriately stored.
Prepare for power outages, communication disruptions, and travel delays.
Stay away from damaged buildings and affected areas until authorities deem them safe.