Rescuers focus on remote mountainous regions after Afghanistan earthquake

Rescue teams are racing to reach Afghanistan’s remote mountainous regions following a powerful earthquake. Officials say they cannot predict how many people might still be trapped, reflecting the uncertainties confronting relief workers. Difficult terrain and limited access continue to impede immediate assistance.

Key Takeaways:

  • An earthquake has impacted Afghanistan’s mountainous regions.
  • Officials are unable to predict how many remain trapped.
  • Ehsanullah Ehsan leads the provincial disaster management efforts.
  • Remote terrain makes rescue operations difficult.
  • The story was first reported by Al Jazeera on 2025-09-02.

Introduction

A powerful earthquake shook Afghanistan’s mountainous regions, triggering a swift response from rescue teams trying to reach isolated communities. The challenging terrain has added urgency and complexity to an already dire situation.

Official Statement

According to Ehsanullah Ehsan, the provincial head of disaster management, local authorities have not been able to “predict” how many people may still be trapped under debris. This uncertainty highlights the difficulty of assessing the full impact in the affected areas, particularly given the lack of communication infrastructure and hazardous roads.

Rescue Challenges

Rescue crews have made remote mountainous regions their priority, where blocked roads and geographic isolation can slow relief efforts. The lack of reliable communication networks complicates the delivery of essential assistance. Relief workers fear that many survivors could still be waiting for help, emphasizing an urgent need for more resources to clear access routes and establish supply lines.

Looking Ahead

While the total number of victims remains unknown, local and international support teams continue to mobilize in hopes of finding those still unaccounted for. With every hour critical, these rescue operations remain an ongoing effort to provide aid, restore connectivity, and bring relief to devastated communities in Afghanistan’s rugged landscape. “`