A devastating earthquake, followed by powerful aftershocks, has claimed over 100 lives in western Afghanistan, with the potential for the death toll to rise, according to local officials and the United Nations.
In a tragic turn of events, a formidable earthquake, coupled with potent aftershocks, has resulted in the loss of over 100 lives in the western region of Afghanistan. Local authorities and the United Nations are currently grappling with the aftermath, expressing concerns that the death toll may escalate as search and rescue operations persist.
The seismic event, registering at a magnitude of 6.3, struck approximately 40km west of Herat, unleashing aftershocks that reverberated across neighboring provinces, particularly Badghis and Farah. The Afghan Ministry of Defence conveyed the grim news via X (formerly known as Twitter), reporting a toll of more than 100 fatalities and over 500 individuals injured.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs issued a situation report, highlighting unconfirmed estimates speculating that the casualties could be as high as 320. This alarming figure underscores the severity of the situation, prompting heightened efforts in search and rescue missions.
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Residents in Herat city, such as Abdul Shakor Samadi, narrated their harrowing experiences as the quake and subsequent tremors forced people out of their homes. Reports indicate that buildings have collapsed, leaving some individuals potentially trapped underneath debris. The fear of additional earthquakes prompted widespread evacuations, turning homes, offices, and shops into deserted spaces.
The epicenter of the quake, located approximately 40km northwest of Herat city, experienced not only the initial shock but also three robust aftershocks measuring 6.3, 5.9, and 5.5 in magnitude, accompanied by smaller shocks.
Mohammad Abdullah Jan, spokesperson for the disaster authority, reported damage to homes in villages within the Zenda Jan district in Herat province, with additional reports of extensive damage in Farah and Badges provinces.
The World Health Organization in Afghanistan swiftly mobilized resources, dispatching 12 ambulances to Zenda Jan for the evacuation of casualties to hospitals. These efforts are crucial as the UN agency noted that many of those affected are women and children.
Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Taliban-appointed deputy prime minister for economic affairs, expressed condolences to the victims in Herat and Badghis. The Taliban, in a call for solidarity, urged local organizations to promptly reach the earthquake-affected areas, emphasizing the need for swift assistance in transporting the injured to hospitals, providing shelter for the displaced, and delivering essential food supplies.
This catastrophic event brings back haunting memories of a powerful earthquake in June 2022 that struck eastern Afghanistan, resulting in the flattening of homes and claiming the lives of at least 1,000 people, marking it as Afghanistan’s deadliest earthquake in two decades.
As the current situation unfolds, the nation faces yet another humanitarian crisis, necessitating urgent and coordinated efforts to alleviate the suffering of those affected.
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