Hundreds dead as earthquake hits eastern Afghanistan

"The quake late on Sunday hit a series of towns in the province of Kunar, near the city of Jalalabad in neighbouring Nangahar province. The 6.0 magnitude at 11:47 p.m. was centred 27km (17 miles) east-northeast of the city of Jalalabad in Nangarhar province, the U.S. Geological Survey said. It was just 8km (5 miles) deep. Shallower quakes tend to cause more damage."

"The Kunar Disaster Management Authority said in a statement that at least 250 people were killed and 500 others injured in the districts of Nur Gul, Soki, Watpur, Manogi and Chapadare. Jalalabad is a bustling trade city due to its proximity with neighbouring Pakistan and a key border crossing between the countries. Although it has a population of about 300,000 according to the municipality, it's metropolitan area is thought to be far larger."

"Most of its buildings are low-rise constructions, mostly of concrete and brick, and its outlying areas include homes built of mud bricks and wood. Many are of poor construction. Jalalabad also has considerable agriculture and farming, including citrus fruit and rice, with the Kabul River flowing through the city."

"A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck Afghanistan on Oct. 7, 2023, followed by strong aftershocks. The Taliban government estimated at least 4,000 people perished. The U.N. gave a far lower death toll of about 1,500. It was the deadliest natural disaster to strike Afghanistan in recent memory."

A 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck late on Sunday in Kunar province near Jalalabad, Nangarhar, at 11:47 p.m., centered 27km east-northeast of Jalalabad and only 8km deep. The Kunar Disaster Management Authority reported at least 250 deaths and 500 injuries across Nur Gul, Soki, Watpur, Manogi and Chapadare districts. Jalalabad is a busy trade city near the Pakistan border and a key crossing, with a municipal population of about 300,000 and a larger metropolitan area. Most buildings are low-rise concrete or brick, with outlying mud-brick and wooden homes of poor construction. The area supports agriculture, including citrus and rice, with the Kabul River flowing through the city. A 6.3 magnitude quake on Oct. 7, 2023 caused far greater reported fatalities, with estimates ranging from about 1,500 to 4,000.

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