Afghanistan has been struck by a second significant earthquake in less than 48 hours, with a magnitude 5.3 tremor hitting eastern Afghanistan on Tuesday evening. The quake, which occurred at 17:59:43 IST in the Hindukush region, caused panic among residents.

This latest seismic event follows a devastating 6.3-magnitude earthquake that struck Afghanistan's northeastern Kunar province on Sunday night. That powerful quake tragically resulted in over 1,400 confirmed deaths and more than 3,000 injuries across the east. In Kunar province alone, where many residents live in steep river valleys, over 5,400 homes were flattened, and many people were trapped under rubble.

 The disaster also caused widespread destruction and triggered landslides, blocking roads and hampering rescue and relief efforts in the difficult terrain. Afghanistan, already facing challenges as one of the world's poorest nations, has seen international aid dwindle since the Taliban's takeover in 2021, further complicating its response to such crises.