Summary
- A 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan, killing eight family members
- Only a two-year-old child survived, though injured
- Tremors were felt across multiple regions, including Kabul
NAIROBI, Kenya- A 5.8-magnitude earthquake has struck Afghanistan, killing eight members of the same family in Kabul Province, authorities have confirmed.
The overnight tremor has left a child as the sole survivor from the affected household, highlighting the devastating impact.
How the deadly quake struck and caused fatalities
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the quake hit at 8:42 pm on Friday with its epicentre in Badakhshan Province at a depth of 186km.
Shaking was felt across several parts of the country, including the capital Kabul.
In the Gosfand Dara area, eight family members died after their home collapsed during the tremor.
Child survives as rescue efforts continue
Health ministry spokesman Sharafat Zaman confirmed the fatalities.
He said a two-year-old child survived the incident but sustained injuries.
Emergency teams have been working to assess damage and provide assistance in affected areas.
Why Afghanistan remains highly vulnerable to earthquakes
Afghanistan frequently experiences earthquakes due to its location along the Hindu Kush, where major tectonic plates meet.
The region is prone to seismic activity, often leading to significant destruction.
In August, a powerful 6.0-magnitude quake killed more than 2,200 people, marking one of the deadliest disasters in recent years.
Authorities continue to warn of potential aftershocks as communities remain on high alert.
