A Taliban government spokesperson stated that the death toll from the worst earthquake has risen to over 1,411 people, with thousands injured, while difficult terrain has hampered rescue efforts in isolated villages in the mountainous eastern region of the country. The Afghan Red Crescent Society reported at least 3,251 injured and that the earthquake destroyed more than 8,000 homes.

There are fears that others remain trapped under the rubble. The UN humanitarian coordinator in Afghanistan said the death toll is expected to rise.

The coordinator confirmed that the biggest challenge is reaching these remote areas due to severely damaged roads, emphasizing the need to use helicopters to reach those affected, evacuate the injured, and deploy search and rescue teams along with medical personnel.

Efforts are underway to complete these operations as soon as possible and begin distributing aid to affected families. Mountainous terrain and stormy weather have hindered rescuers’ access to remote areas near the Pakistan border, where the earthquake destroyed mud-brick homes.

A Reuters witness said a convoy of ambulances was stationed atop the damaged mountain road attempting to reach Kunar villages while helicopters carrying relief supplies flew overhead and transported injured people to hospitals.

Indrika Ratwatte, the humanitarian coordinator for the International Organization in Afghanistan, said they believe the number of affected individuals could reach hundreds of thousands. The UN official added that the numbers will certainly rise, and there is no doubt the casualty toll will be huge.

Ratwatte pointed out that most homes in the affected area are made of mud with wooden roofs, so when walls collapse, the roof practically kills or suffocates residents. She added that the area has a low population density, but since the earthquake occurred at night when everyone was asleep, she believes the death toll will be much higher.

She added that the earthquake caused many landslides and rockfalls, severely limiting access, which posed a huge challenge. Indrika Ratwatte urged countries to show solidarity with the Afghan people who are facing multiple crises and shocks.

The European Union also intends to allocate one million euros in emergency aid to international agencies with field presence in Afghanistan, according to a statement.

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the news of the earthquake in Kunar province, Afghanistan, is truly tragic. He added that the UK is committed to the Afghan people, and this emergency funding will help partners provide critical healthcare and emergency supplies to the most affected groups.