Eastern Afghanistan Hit by New 4.7-Magnitude Tremor, Heightening Fears

A 4.7-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan near Jalalabad on Thursday morning, September 4, deepening fears in a region still reeling from last week’s devastating tremors in neighboring Kunar province.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake occurred at 9:40 a.m. local time, with its epicenter located close to Jalalabad in Nangarhar province at a shallow depth of just 13 kilometers beneath the earth’s surface. Although no casualties or major damage have yet been confirmed, residents reported feeling strong shaking that forced many to rush outdoors.

This fresh tremor comes only days after a series of powerful earthquakes ravaged Kunar province, where more than 1,400 people were killed, thousands injured, and entire villages flattened. Rescue workers continue to recover bodies from the rubble as landslides and destroyed roads hinder emergency access to remote mountain communities.

“The ground has not stopped shaking since last week,” said one Jalalabad resident, describing the fear that has gripped the population. “People are too scared to return to their homes and are spending nights outside in the open.”

Local authorities in Nangarhar say assessment teams have been dispatched to nearby districts to evaluate damage, while hospitals have been placed on alert. Humanitarian groups warn that even minor tremors can cause further collapses of already weakened structures, endangering both survivors and rescue workers.

The United Nations, Red Cross, and several international NGOs have mobilized emergency supplies, including tents, blankets, food, and medical kits. However, logistical challenges, blocked mountain roads, and the vast scale of destruction are slowing delivery. Aid officials stress that urgent assistance is needed to prevent a deepening humanitarian crisis, particularly as thousands remain homeless, exposed to harsh conditions, and at risk of disease outbreaks.

Afghanistan, already facing economic collapse and limited healthcare infrastructure, has long been vulnerable to earthquakes due to its location along major geological fault lines. Experts warn that the recent cluster of tremors may not be over, raising concerns of further aftershocks in the coming days.

As rescue and relief efforts continue in Kunar and assessments begin in Nangarhar, survivors remain caught between grief, fear, and uncertainty. “We don’t know what will come next,” said a displaced villager from Kunar. “All we can do is wait for help—and pray the shaking stops.”

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