Afghanistan has been struck by one of its deadliest earthquakes in recent years, leaving at least 622 people dead and more than 1,500 injured.

The 6.0-magnitude quake hit the eastern provinces of Kunar and Nangarhar, where entire villages were reduced to rubble. Officials confirmed that 610 deaths occurred in Kunar alone, while 12 people were killed in Nangarhar.

Helicopters have been working round the clock to ferry survivors and recover bodies, with military teams conducting at least 40 flights to transport over 420 victims. Rescuers are still digging through debris in search of more survivors in remote areas.

Three villages in Kunar were completely flattened, leaving hundreds homeless and in urgent need of shelter, food, and medical care.

This tragedy marks Afghanistan’s deadliest earthquake since June 2022, when over 1,000 lives were lost. The disaster comes at a time when the country is already grappling with economic hardship, dwindling foreign aid, and a deepening humanitarian crisis.

So far, no significant international relief has arrived, raising concerns about how quickly survivors will receive the urgent help they desperately need.