Earthquake in Afghanistan claims over 1 100 lives

A powerful earthquake has triggered one of the worst natural disasters in Afghanistan in recent years.

According to official figures, the death toll has risen to at least 1 124, with more than 3 251 people injured.

The quake caused massive damage to infrastructure and homes, destroying over 8 000 buildings.

This has further exacerbated the humanitarian situation in a country that is already suffering from decades of conflict, unstable supply structures, and a lack of emergency response capacity.

The Afghan Red Crescent is coordinating rescue and relief efforts on the ground.

However, access to the affected regions is severely hampered by rough terrain and destroyed transport routes.

The demand for international supportis growing as local aid workers are overwhelmed. Numerous organizations are calling for rapid assistance to prevent a further escalation of the humanitarian crisis.

(reuters, sie)