The blast tore through the facility during peak hours, when patients and staff were gathered inside. Witnesses described scenes of chaos and destruction, with emergency responders rushing to pull survivors from the rubble as smoke billowed across the area.

“I came here looking for my brother, but no one can tell me if he is alive,” said one distraught resident outside the damaged building. “Hospitals are full, and the lists of victims are incomplete.”

Rising Tensions in the Region

Local authorities have blamed the attack on cross-border aggression, alleging involvement by Pakistani forces an accusation that has sharply escalated tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Officials in Islamabad have not confirmed responsibility, and independent verification remains limited.

The incident comes amid already strained relations between the two neighboring countries, marked by border disputes and security concerns. Analysts warn that the latest violence could further destabilize the region.

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

Hospitals in Kabul are reportedly overwhelmed, with medical teams struggling to treat the influx of casualties. Aid organizations have called for urgent support, noting that Afghanistan’s healthcare system is already under severe pressure due to ongoing economic challenges and limited resources.

The rehabilitation centre, which provided care for vulnerable individuals including those recovering from addiction and trauma, is now largely destroyed. Survivors have been relocated to nearby facilities, though many remain unaccounted for.

Calls for Accountability

International observers and human rights groups have condemned the attack and called for a thorough investigation. The targeting of a civilian medical facility, if confirmed, would constitute a serious violation of international law.

“This is a place meant for healing, not violence,” said a spokesperson for a humanitarian organization. “Those responsible must be held accountable.”

Fear and Uncertainty

As night fell over Kabul, families continued to gather outside hospitals and morgues, hoping for news. Authorities have yet to release a full list of casualties, adding to the anguish of those waiting.

Security has been tightened across the city amid fears of further incidents, while officials urge calm as investigations continue.

The attack underscores the fragile security situation in Afghanistan, where civilians continue to bear the brunt of violence. For many in Kabul, the search for loved ones has become a painful reminder of the country’s ongoing struggle for stability and peace.

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Kunar Province, Afghanistan – September 1, 2025
Rescue efforts are underway in eastern Afghanistan after a powerful earthquake struck the mountainous Kunar region, leaving scores dead and many more trapped under rubble. According to Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, emergency teams are facing difficult terrain, blocked roads, and limited communications as they work to reach the most isolated communities near the epicenter.

“Rescue teams are doing their best under difficult conditions,” Mujahid said via official government channels. “But many areas remain inaccessible due to landslides and ongoing aftershocks.”

Location and Magnitude

The earthquake, which struck late Saturday night, registered 6.4 on the Richter scale, with its epicenter near Asadabad, the capital of Kunar province, close to the border with Pakistan. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed the quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles) a shallow depth that tends to cause more surface-level destruction.

Why Are Shallow Earthquakes More Destructive?

Shallow earthquakes (those less than 70 km deep) are closer to the Earth’s surface, meaning the seismic energy has less distance to travel before hitting buildings and infrastructure. This leads to stronger shaking, particularly in poorly constructed or fragile housing common in rural parts of Afghanistan.

Timeline: Afghanistan’s Deadliest Earthquakes Since 2015

Afghanistan sits at the collision zone of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it one of the most seismically active countries in South and Central Asia. Major quakes in recent years include:

• October 2015 – Hindu Kush earthquake kills over 380 people across Afghanistan and Pakistan.

• June 2022 – Paktika earthquake leaves over 1,000 dead, one of the worst disasters in decades.

• March 2023 – Herat province hit by a 6.5-magnitude quake, with at least 45 deaths reported.

 Humanitarian Concerns Grow

With winter approaching, humanitarian agencies fear that lack of shelter, food, and medical aid could cause further loss of life in quake-hit zones. Access to these remote areas has always been difficult, but political instability and infrastructure collapse since the Taliban returned to power have worsened response capabilities.

International aid remains minimal due to sanctions and the lack of diplomatic recognition of the Taliban regime. However, several NGOs, including Médecins Sans Frontières and the Red Crescent, have mobilized mobile clinics and relief supplies.