A series of devastating earthquakes struck western Afghanistan on Saturday, causing significant loss of life and widespread damage. The country’s national disaster authority confirmed that two earthquakes, both with a magnitude of 6.3, resulted in the deaths of dozens of people. While the United Nations initially reported a death toll of 320, this figure is still being verified. Local authorities estimate that around 100 people have been killed and 500 injured. The Zenda Jan district in Herat province was particularly affected, with four villages bearing the brunt of the quakes and subsequent aftershocks. Numerous homes were damaged in the process.
The US Geological Survey recorded the 6.3 magnitude tremors, with the epicenter located approximately 24 miles northwest of Herat city. A 5.5 magnitude aftershock followed the initial quakes. The USGS website displays a map showing a total of seven earthquakes in the area. Abdul Shakor Samadi, a resident of Herat city, reported that at least five powerful earthquakes struck the area at around noon. As a result, people hurriedly evacuated their homes, and empty streets and buildings became a common sight. The World Health Organization in Afghanistan immediately dispatched 12 ambulance cars to the affected areas to transport the wounded to hospitals.
Communication lines in Herat were disrupted due to the earthquakes, making it challenging to obtain accurate information from affected regions. Videos circulating on social media depict crowds of people gathering in the streets outside their houses and offices in Herat city. The tremors were also felt in nearby Afghan provinces such as Farah and Badghis, according to media reports. The Taliban released a statement urging local organizations to promptly provide aid to the affected areas, including the evacuation of the injured, the provision of shelter for the homeless, and the delivery of food to survivors. They also called upon security agencies to utilize all available resources for rescuing individuals trapped under debris. Furthermore, the Taliban asked their fellow citizens to offer any assistance possible to those in need. (A 6.5 magnitude earthquake previously hit Pakistan and Afghanistan in June.)
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