Massive earthquakes in Afghanistan: A Compilation of the 10 Deadliest Quakes Leading to Thousands of Deaths and the Destruction of Over a Million Homes
In a tragic turn of events, a powerful earthquake has struck the eastern region of Afghanistan, near Jalalabad, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The earthquake, which occurred on Monday, had a magnitude of 6.0, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The epicenter of the earthquake was located in a remote, mountainous region, making rescue efforts challenging. As of now, over 800 people have been reported dead, with more than 2,500 injuries reported in Kunar province alone. The Taliban authorities are leading a massive rescue operation to locate and assist those affected by the earthquake.
The region hit by the earthquake surpassed the magnitude of the strongest recorded earthquake in Chile, causing the greatest losses. Numerous houses have been destroyed, displacing thousands of people. Over 1,200 individuals have reported feeling strong or very strong shaking from the earthquake.
This earthquake is not an isolated incident in the world of seismic activity. In 2011, the Great Tōhoku earthquake in Tōhoku, Japan, had a magnitude of 9.1 and claimed more than 15,000 lives and displaced 130,000 more. In 2010, an earthquake offshore near the city of Quirihue, Chile, had a magnitude of 8.8 and destroyed over 370,000 homes, killing 523 people.
Other notable earthquakes include the Great Alaska earthquake in 1964, which had a magnitude of 9.2 and killed 130 people and caused $2.3 billion in damage. The Valdivia earthquake or Great Chilean earthquake in 1960, in Biobío, Chile, had a magnitude of 9.5 and left 1,655 people homeless and 2 million without homes.
The world's first recorded magnitude 9 earthquake occurred in Kamchatka Krai, Russia, in 1952, triggering a tsunami that caused over $1 million in damages. The Sumatra-Andaman Islands earthquake in 2004, in Sumatra, Indonesia, had a magnitude of 9.1 and claimed more than 280,000 lives while displacing 1.1 million.
In more recent times, another devastating earthquake occurred in Afghanistan on Monday, reminding us of the unpredictable and destructive power of nature. Our thoughts are with those affected by this tragedy.
Read also:
- Lu Shiow-yen's Challenging Position as Chair of the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Under Scrutiny in Donovan's Analysis
- Tough choices on August 13, 2025 for those born under Aquarius? Consider the advantages and disadvantages to gain guidance
- Microbiome's Impact on Emotional States, Judgement, and Mental Health Conditions
- Restaurant staff allegedly requires Minnesota teenager to validate her gender for bathroom access.
