Eyewitnesses described intense fear during and after the quake. Social media videos show crowds huddled in public squares and open fields, holding lanterns and flashlights while waiting for news. Children clung to parents, and elders recited prayers. Amid the chaos, neighbors helped one another, sharing water, blankets, and reassurance.
“The shaking lasted less than a minute, but it felt like forever,” said one witness. “All I could think about was whether we would survive.”
A Country at Risk
Afghanistan lies in a highly seismically active region, with rugged mountains that increase vulnerability to landslides and isolated communities. The nation has suffered deadly earthquakes in recent decades, including a 7.5-magnitude tremor in 2015 and another powerful quake in 2022 that destroyed entire villages. The latest earthquake is a stark reminder of how unprepared the country remains for disasters of this scale.
Timing Could Not Be Worse
The quake comes amid ongoing crises: economic collapse, food and medicine shortages, and strained healthcare systems leave millions vulnerable. International sanctions and political isolation have slowed aid deliveries, raising concern that further damage could overwhelm already limited resources.
The Threat of Aftershocks
Authorities are warning residents to remain vigilant. Aftershocks, though typically weaker, can be deadly if they strike compromised buildings. Many rural homes made of mud brick are particularly at risk. Citizens are advised to avoid damaged structures, keep emergency supplies nearby, and identify safe gathering places in case of further tremors.
A Community Tested Once Again
For ordinary Afghans, the earthquake is another challenge in a long history of adversity. Families face the daunting task of repairing homes and rebuilding lives, while coping with sleepless nights under uncertain conditions. Yet amid fear, acts of solidarity emerge—neighbors caring for one another, communities pooling resources, and strangers offering comfort during shared hardship.
As Afghanistan waits to learn the full impact of the earthquake, the memory of the ground shaking beneath their feet will linger for millions, a stark reminder of life’s fragility in a land marked by both beauty and danger.
