Afghanistan was hit by another devastating earthquake on Thursday, this time measuring 6.2 in magnitude. According to the German Research Centre for Geosciences, this was the third significant tremor to strike the region since Sunday, deepening the ongoing crisis.

The quake’s epicentre was in the remote Shiwa district of Nangarhar province, near the Pakistan border. It struck at a shallow depth of 10 km (6 miles). Initial reports showed heavy damage in Barkashkot and surrounding areas, though assessments were still underway.

Rising Death Toll and Widespread Destruction

The Taliban administration confirmed that at least 2,205 people have died, while 3,640 others have been injured. Thousands of homes were reduced to rubble, leaving tens of thousands of families homeless.

Naqibullah Rahimi, a spokesperson for the Nangarhar health department, told Reuters that rescue teams were still pulling bodies from debris. “Everything we had has been destroyed,” said Aalem Jan, a resident of Kunar province whose home collapsed in the quake. “The only remaining things are these clothes on our backs.”

Authorities estimate that more than 6,700 houses have been destroyed so far. In some villages in Kunar province, two out of three residents were either killed or injured. A report by Islamic Relief Worldwide revealed that 98% of buildings in those areas were damaged or destroyed.

Series of Deadly Tremors

The disaster began on Sunday when a 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck the region, causing widespread destruction. A second quake, measuring 5.5, followed on Tuesday, triggering landslides and cutting off access to remote areas.

These tremors have not only disrupted rescue operations but have also made the ground unstable. Many families are now staying outdoors, fearing aftershocks and the collapse of weakened structures. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs warned that unstable soil, combined with recent heavy rains, poses an ongoing risk.

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

Relief agencies have described the humanitarian needs as “vast and growing rapidly.” The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies estimated that around 84,000 people are directly or indirectly affected.

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) warned that its resources would only last four more weeks. John Aylieff, WFP’s country head, told Reuters, “Funding and food stocks are limited, and the demand is overwhelming.”

The World Health Organisation highlighted a $3 million funding gap, stressing the urgent need for medicines, trauma kits, and essential supplies to prevent further loss of life.

Challenges in Relief Efforts

Afghanistan’s already fragile situation has made rescue and recovery even harder. Years of conflict, poverty, and international isolation have left the country with minimal resources. Harsh weather has also hampered relief work.

US President Donald Trump’s cuts to foreign aid and global frustration with the Taliban’s restrictive policies, especially regarding women and aid workers, have further strained Afghanistan’s ties with international donors.

Jacopo Caridi of the Norwegian Refugee Council urged the world to step up. “The earthquake should serve as a stark reminder: Afghanistan cannot be left to face one crisis after another alone,” he said.

A Nation at Breaking Point

As aftershocks continue, many Afghans remain in fear and grief. With homes destroyed and resources dwindling, thousands are sleeping outdoors, clinging to what little they have left.

The United Nations and aid groups have warned that without urgent international support, the situation could spiral into a larger humanitarian disaster, leaving survivors without food, shelter, or hope.