Afghan earthquake death toll rises to 2,205, Taliban confirm

Hundreds of bodies have been recovered from homes destroyed in last week’s powerful earthquake in Afghanistan, raising the death toll to more than 2,200, according to a Taliban government spokesperson on Thursday.

The 6.0-magnitude quake struck several remote eastern provinces on Sunday night, flattening villages and trapping many residents under debris. The worst-hit area is Kunar province, where communities live in narrow valleys surrounded by steep mountains.

Taliban spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat said rescue operations were still underway, with emergency tents set up and aid supplies being distributed.

Relief efforts, however, are being hampered by difficult terrain and funding shortages, while aid organizations are urging greater international assistance.

This disaster marks the third major earthquake to hit Afghanistan since the Taliban took control in 2021.