The death toll from a series of earthquakes in western Afghanistan has tragically increased significantly. And with more than 2,000 people reported dead, according to a Taliban spokesperson. Rescuers are working tirelessly to find survivors among the rubble of villages that have been completely destroy.
The initial magnitude 6.3 earthquake, followed by eight strong aftershocks, struck in remote areas approximately 19 miles (30km) from the provincial capital of Herat. This powerful seismic activity led to the collapse of rural homes and sent urban residents fleeing into the streets in panic.
The devastation is particularly severe in twelve villages in Zindeh Jan and six in the Ghoryan district, which have reduced to rubble. Efforts are ongoing to extract people from the debris, and rescue teams from Helmand and Kandahar have arrived in Herat to assist in the relief and recovery efforts. The death toll is expected to rise further as rescue operations continue.
The survivors in the affected areas are facing dire circumstances, with a pressing need for essential supplies such as food, clothing, tents, and medicine. These remote and impoverished regions have been hit hard by the earthquake, and many of the affected individuals are refugees who had recently returned from Iran and Pakistan.
In light of this urgent situation, the Taliban officials have issued a plea for international assistance. They are calling on all international aid organizations to come forward and provide support to save the lives of their fellow countrymen and women. Their message is clear: “Help us in whatever means you can.”
As the night descended on Saturday in Sarboland village of Zinda Jan district, an AFP reporter witnessed a scene of devastation. Dozens of homes lay in ruins near the epicenter of the earthquakes, which had rocked the area for over five hours. Men were seen using shovels to sift through piles of crumble masonry, while women and children waited in the open, surrounded by the remnants of their gutted homes, with personal belongings flapping in the harsh wind.
The situation at the Herat regional hospital was dire, as it inundated with injured individuals from Herat and nearby provinces. By the afternoon local time on Saturday . And the 600-bed hospital had reached its capacity, prompting the Taliban officials to set up a makeshift hospital to accommodate the growing number of injured people.
The scale of destruction and the overwhelming need for medical care and shelter in the aftermath of the earthquakes paint a grim picture of the challenges faced by the affected communities in these hard-hit areas.
The overwhelming influx of casualties, both injured and deceased . And underscores the urgent need for immediate medical attention, resources, and support in the affected areas. The earthquake’s devastating impact has left local healthcare facilities stretched to their limits. And international assistance is crucial to help address the escalating humanitarian crisis. earthquakes western Afghanistan
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that more than 600 houses have destroyed. And or partially damaged in at least 12 villages in Herat province, affecting approximately 4,200 people.
Afghanistan is already grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis. And exacerbated by the withdrawal of foreign aid following the return of the Taliban to power in 2021. In June 2022, a powerful earthquake struck a rugged, mountainous region in the eastern part of the country. And resulting in the flattening of stone and mud-brick homes. It was Afghanistan’s deadliest earthquake in two decades, claiming the lives of at least 1,000 people and injuring around 1,500.
The country is prone to earthquakes, particularly in the Hindu Kush mountain range. It situated near the junction of the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates. In addition to seismic challenges, Herat province, which shares a border with Iran. And is home to more than 3 million people. It has been grappling with a prolonged drought that has further strained already struggling agricultural communities. The combination of these challenges underscores the urgent need for both immediate relief and long-term support in Afghanistan. earthquakes-in-western-afghanistan
As night fell Saturday in Sarboland village of Zinda Jan district . An AFP reporter saw dozens of homes ruined near the epicentre of the quakes. And which shook the area for more than five hours.
Men shovelled through piles of crumbled masonry as women and children waited in the open . And with gutted homes showing personal belongings flapping in the harsh wind.
“In the very first shake all the houses collapsed,” said 42-year-old Bashir Ahmad.
“Those who were inside the houses were buried,” he said. “There are families we have heard no news from.”
Deputy government spokesman Bilal Karimi said Sunday, as the extent of the damage became clear. So that “unfortunately, the casualties are practically very high”.
“We are waiting to see how the final figures will turn out,” he told AFP.