Afghanistan experienced yet another significant seismic event on Wednesday morning, as a 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck the region. The German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ) confirmed this seismic activity but, fortunately, reported no new casualties at this time. Meanwhile, volunteers and rescuers have been diligently working since the previous weekend to search for survivors in the aftermath of a series of earlier earthquakes.
In a separate and distressing development, local news outlets have uncovered a grim discovery near the devastated Kibbutz Kfar Aza, situated in close proximity to the Gaza Strip. Reportedly, approximately 40 infant bodies were found, some showing signs of gruesome violence, including remains that appeared to be beheaded.
The most recent earthquake, registering at 6.3 magnitude, occurred approximately 28 kilometers (17 miles) outside the capital of Herat province, Herat. It struck at a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles), according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Notably, the epicenter of Saturday's earthquake was located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) northwest of the provincial capital. The region has experienced several strong aftershocks, including another 6.3 magnitude tremor on Saturday.
Taliban officials initially reported a death toll of over 2,000 in Herat due to the previous earthquakes. However, they later revised their statement to acknowledge thousands of casualties without providing a detailed breakdown.
Information about the extent of damage caused by the recent earthquake is not yet available. Sadly, the villages in the dusty hills of the affected region are now reduced to rubble and the somber echoes of funerals. In Naib Rafi, a village that once housed approximately 2,500 residents, survivors are scarce, with few still alive, primarily men who were outdoors when the earthquake struck. These survivors have spent their days operating excavators to prepare long trenches for mass burials.
In the district of Zinda Jan, on a barren field, a bulldozer is actively clearing space for an extended row of graves, as the community copes with the overwhelming tragedy. Mir Agha, hailing from the city of Herat, expressed the immense challenges faced by those searching for their family members amidst the ruins, and their heartbreaking task of laying them to rest in nearby graves, once again beneath the earth. He is among hundreds of volunteers who have rallied to assist the local population during this trying time.
