Understanding the Deadly Impact of the Afghanistan Earthquake: Insights from a Disaster Resilience Expert

The recent earthquake in Afghanistan has led to a staggering loss of life. Reports now indicate at least 800 fatalities and over 2,000 injuries. This earthquake struck just before midnight local time near Jalalabad, with a magnitude of 6.0. Despite being classified as low in magnitude, its shallow depth of just 8 kilometers resulted in severe shaking and multiple aftershocks.

Many victims were asleep indoors when their homes collapsed. The true extent of the damage may take time to fully assess, especially since landslides have blocked access to remote areas.

Areas around the Himalayas and the Hindu Kush mountains are known for seismic activity due to the collision of the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates. This region has a history of devastating earthquakes, including the 2015 Gorkha earthquake in Nepal and the 2005 Kashmir earthquake in Pakistan.

Recent data shows that earthquakes in Afghanistan are becoming increasingly deadly. In October 2023, an earthquake claimed over 1,500 lives, and the previous year saw over 1,000 fatalities from a similar event. In comparison, the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, while also deadly, resulted in 185 deaths despite occurring in a populated city.

Why do so many people die in these earthquakes? The saying “earthquakes don’t kill people, buildings do” rings true here. In rural Afghanistan, homes are often built with local materials like mud and stone, which lack the structural integrity necessary to withstand seismic activity. These buildings typically do not adhere to any engineering standards, making them prone to collapse during quakes.

For instance, traditional Afghan homes often feature mud bricks and stone masonry, known as “monolithic” construction. This type of building cannot resist the lateral forces generated during an earthquake, leading to catastrophic failures. There have been numerous reports of collapsed structures in the wake of the recent earthquake.

Looking at how other countries have responded to similar disasters can provide valuable lessons. In Pakistan, after the 2005 earthquake, authorities launched programs to help rebuild homes using safer construction techniques. Nepal adopted new standards for building resilience after the 2015 quake, illustrating that effective changes can happen even in resource-limited settings.

Indian engineer Anand Arya has also made significant strides in reducing earthquake risk for “non-engineered” buildings. His methods include adding continuous bands in walls and reinforcements in corners and around doors and windows. Such simple improvements can enhance strength and minimize damage.

The hope is that this devastating earthquake will prompt Afghanistan to adopt similar initiatives. By implementing better building practices, communities can become more resilient and save lives in future earthquakes.

For more details on earthquake resilience, you can visit this comprehensive article from the U.S. Geological Survey.

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