At least 15 people were injured after a 4.9-magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan’s eastern Nangarhar province on Tuesday morning, according to local Taliban authorities.
The earthquake caused concern among residents in the affected areas, with initial reports indicating that a number of people sustained injuries. Details about the severity of the injuries and the exact locations affected were not immediately available.
Nangarhar is located in eastern Afghanistan, a region that has experienced earthquakes and other natural disasters in recent years. The province’s proximity to active seismic zones makes communities particularly vulnerable to earthquake-related damage and casualties.
Local authorities are expected to assess the situation and determine whether residential buildings or other infrastructure were damaged by the tremor. Further information regarding potential casualties or property damage may emerge as assessment teams reach affected areas.
Earthquakes can pose significant risks in Afghanistan due to vulnerable buildings, limited infrastructure and challenges in emergency response, particularly in rural communities.
The reported injuries come as Afghanistan continues to face multiple humanitarian challenges, including economic hardship and limited access to emergency services in many parts of the country.
Authorities and local communities remain on alert for possible aftershocks while assessments of the impact of the earthquake continue.