In a powerful earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan on Sunday night, at least 900 people were killed and over 3,000 were injured. Approximately 10 Belgian nationals are in the country, according to Belgium's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The epicentre of the deadly earthquake was 27 km from Jalalabad (the capital of Nangarhar province). The quake also hit the provinces of Kunar and Laghman, and was felt as far as the capital Kabul. Belgium's authorities are currently not aware of any Belgian victims.
"The Foreign Affairs Ministry mourns the victims of the earthquake in Afghanistan," spokesperson Pierre Steverlynck told The Brussels Times. On Monday, Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Prévot (Les Engagés) also expressed his condolences to the families of the victims.
🇦🇫 The first information pertaining to the earthquake that struck Afghanistan last night are alarming. In a country already facing many challenges, I express my solidarity with all the victims and their families.
— Maxime PREVOT (@prevotmaxime) September 1, 2025
The Foreign Affairs is closely monitoring the situation, along with the Belgian Embassy in Islamabad, which is responsible for Afghanistan.
"We are currently not aware of any Belgian victims. We have not yet received any requests for assistance from Belgians," Steverlynck said, adding that there are approximately ten Belgians in Afghanistan at the moment. "Most of them work for international organisations in the country, along with a few travellers."
Yousaf Hammad, a spokesman for the Afghan disaster management authority, confirmed to the AP news agency that the death toll had increased to 900. He also added that roads to hard-to-reach areas blocked by landslides are gradually being cleared.
"The injured are being evacuated, so the figure could still change significantly," Hammad said. "The earthquake caused landslides in some areas, blocking roads, but these have since been reopened. The remaining roads will be repaired to provide access to areas that were difficult to reach."
The Foreign Affairs Ministry advises all Belgians to carefully read and follow the travel advice on its website, as all travel to Afghanistan is discouraged. "Belgian citizens are formally requested not to travel to Afghanistan."
Those who nevertheless decide to travel are asked to register their trip via Travellers Online.
