A second earthquake, measuring 5.2 magnitude, struck eastern Afghanistan less than 48 hours after a devastating 6.0 earthquake killed over 1,400 people, deepening the region's suffering and compounding rescue challenges.

The latest tremor occurred near the original epicentre in Nangarhar province, just northeast of Jalalabad, according to the US Geological Survey . The first quake, which hit late Sunday night, caused widespread destruction in Kunar and Nangarhar, flattening entire villages of poorly constructed mud-brick homes and leaving thousands injured.

Rescue operations face immense logistical hurdles. The rugged, mountainous terrain is compounded by blocked roads, flooding, and landslides, making it difficult for aid workers to reach remote communities . Helicopter evacuations and international aid are in progress, but continuing aftershocks threaten to further undermine relief efforts.

Afghanistan’s fragile humanitarian situation - exacerbated by dwindling foreign aid and political instability - leaves many asking: how much more can communities endure under such relentless seismic shocks?