Global News Podcast Quake kills hundreds in Afghanistan
28 snips
Sep 1, 2025 A powerful earthquake in eastern Afghanistan has left over 800 dead and thousands injured, complicating rescue efforts hindered by landslides. Amid ongoing crises, world leaders in China are tackling global trade tensions and power dynamics. A groundbreaking research initiative is transforming vaccine development using artificial intelligence, while the U.S. faces scrutiny over its humanitarian plans for Gaza. Personal stories highlight the challenges faced by African caregivers and Queen Camilla's poignant experience with assault as a young girl.
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Mountainous Quake Severely Limits Rescue Routes
- A magnitude-6 quake in eastern Afghanistan hit remote, mountainous areas with weak infrastructure, causing mass casualties and complicating rescue efforts.
- Landslides cut roads so evacuations rely largely on helicopters and local people until external teams can reach affected valleys.
Why Casualties Were So High
- Poor housing and night-time timing magnified deaths because many homes are mud-built and not earthquake-resistant.
- Rescue teams are overstretched and lack heavy equipment, so NGOs and international aid are crucial to increase capacity.
SCO Summit Signals Alternative Global Bloc
- The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit brings a large bloc of Eurasian states together, offering symbolic pushback against Western-led order.
- India's increasing engagement and combined member GDP create potential for a substantive alternative, though practical cohesion remains uncertain.