Two Powerful Aftershocks Rock Afghanistan as Earthquake Toll Hits 2,200

Two powerful aftershocks struck eastern Afghanistan 12 hours apart, triggering fears of more deaths and destruction on Sept. 5 as rescuers battled mountainous terrain and harsh weather.

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JALALABAD, Afghanistan -

The latest aftershocks follow two earthquakes that ravaged a nation crushed by war, poverty, and shrinking aid.

The Taliban administration estimated 2,205 deaths and 3,640 injuries as of Sept. 4.

Survivors in the earthquake-prone region are scrambling for basic amenities as the United Nations and other agencies warn of a critical need for funds, food, medical supplies, and shelter, with the World Health Organization (WHO) seeking funds of US$4 million (S$5.14 million).

Ambulances ferried to hospital 13 people injured after a tremor of 6.2 magnitude on the night of Sept. 4 in Nangarhar province, with its epicenter in the district of Shiwa near the Pakistan border, said regional health spokesman Naqibullah Rahimi.

Ten were discharged after treatment, and three were in stable condition, he added.

A Reuters witness said details of the damage were still being collected after continuous aftershocks in Nangarhar, with its capital Jalalabad about 150km from Kabul.