Kabul, Sept 4 (HS):

Fresh tremors were felt near Jalalabad in eastern Afghanistan today, days after a devastating earthquake struck Kunar province, killing at least 1,457 people. The latest quake measured 4.7 on the Richter scale, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

The tremor occurred at 9:40 a.m. local time on September 4, with its epicenter located 13 kilometers beneath the surface near Jalalabad in Nangarhar province. So far, no reports of casualties or damage from the Jalalabad quake have been confirmed. Local authorities are currently assessing the impact in surrounding districts.

According to The Kabul Times, Taliban government deputy spokesperson Mullah Hamdullah Fitrat confirmed that the recent powerful earthquake in Kunar had claimed at least 1,457 lives and left 3,394 injured. Over 6,782 houses were destroyed, with the districts of Nurgal, Chawki, Chapa Dara, Pech Dara, Watapur, and Asadabad reported as the worst affected. Many areas have been reduced to rubble.

Rescue operations are underway, with special commando units deployed to reach remote, inaccessible areas by road or helicopter to evacuate the injured and recover bodies from the debris. A temporary relief camp has been set up in Kunar district to provide emergency aid.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Finance has held discussions with UN representatives on accelerating emergency assistance for quake-hit families. Minister of economy, Qari Din Mohammad Hanif emphasized the urgent need for relief efforts to address the mounting humanitarian crisis.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar