A powerful earthquake has struck the eastern provinces of Afghanistan, with Kunar, Laghman, Nangarhar being the most affected. Initial reports state that at least 800 people have been killed and 2,500 injured, though officials fear these numbers will rise. One resident described it as a “very, very bloody night for all of us.” The Taliban government has responded by forming a special committee and allocating 100 million Afghani for immediate relief. Rescue efforts are on, with the air force using helicopters to transport the injured to hospitals. However, challenges remain as many are still trapped under the debris, and frequent aftershocks are causing panic. Citizens from other provinces have also reportedly joined the local rescue operations in Kunar.