アフガニスタン東部とうぶM6.0ろくてんぜろ地震じしんこれまでに622人ろっぴゃくにじゅうににん死亡しぼう

A magnitude 6 earthquake occurred in eastern Afghanistan in the early hours of September 1, Japan time.

Regarding the earthquake, the interim government of the Islamist Taliban, which holds power locally, has announced that so far 622 people have died and more than 1,500 have been injured.

According to the USGS United States Geological Survey, there was an earthquake with its epicenter in eastern Afghanistan in the early hours of the 1st, Japan time.

The depth of the epicenter is 8 kilometers, and the magnitude indicating the scale of the earthquake is 6.

It is estimated to be 0.

According to the Ministry of Interior of the Taliban interim government, which holds power in Afghanistan, a total of 622 people have died in this earthquake so far—610 in the eastern province of Kunar and 12 in the eastern province of Nangarhar.

Also, the number of injured people has exceeded 1,500 in total across the two states.

Local media report that rescue operations are ongoing in the disaster-stricken areas to save people trapped in collapsed houses, and there are concerns that the number of casualties may increase further.

In Afghanistan, two years ago, in October 2023, there was also a magnitude 6 earthquake with its epicenter in the western region.

An earthquake with a magnitude of 3 has occurred, and more than 1,400 people have died.

Reuters distributed footage claiming to show a military base in Jalalabad, eastern Afghanistan, after the earthquake occurred.

When the helicopter arrives at the base, Taliban soldiers and local residents gather, carrying people on stretchers to vehicles.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi: I offer my heartfelt condolences to the victims. At the afternoon press conference, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi said, I feel deep sorrow over the large number of casualties and the extensive damage that has occurred.

I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to those who lost their lives, and extend my sympathies to the bereaved families and those affected.

On top of that, “At this point, we have not received any information regarding Japanese nationals being harmed, but the government will continue to closely monitor the situation on the ground and work to ensure the safety of Japanese citizens.”

He also stated, We express our solidarity with the people of Afghanistan and will continue our efforts to improve the humanitarian situation.