Deadliest Afghanistan Earthquake In 2 Decades Kills More Than 1,000

A powerful earthquake killed more than 1,000 people Wednesday in a remote region of Afghanistan. At least 1,600 were injured. The 5.9-magnitude earthquake wiped out entire villages. Officials predicted the number of deaths would climb. The 5.9-magnitude quake was the deadliest in 20 years in the South Asian nation.

Search-and-rescue workers struggled to find people. The weather made the efforts hard. The area is also very remote. So, it doesn't have much connection to the rest of the world. Officials were still trying to figure out the amount of damage.

The quake destroyed at least 2,000 homes. It also knocked down schools and mosques. News footage showed people digging with their bare hands in the rubble as they searched for victims.

The earthquake hit at a time when millions of Afghans face extreme hunger, poverty, and lack of healthcare. Making matters worse, many relief agencies have pulled out of Afghanistan. That's because the Taliban took over the country last August. Sanctions have cut off most direct aid to the militant Islamic group.

A Taliban official pleaded on Twitter for aid agencies to help.

The United Nations secretary-general said UN teams had arrived in the country to provide support. He called on the global community to deliver much-needed help. “Now is the time for solidarity,” he said.

The US secretary of state said US relief groups and global humanitarian aid partners have begun sending medical teams. They will also provide other help.

Photo from Reuters.

For the latest developments and to see how other media outlets are covering the earthquake in Afghanistan, visit The Juice's 24/7 news aggregator.