Kabul: Western Afghanistan experienced a devastating series of strong earthquakes near the Iranian border, resulting in tragic consequences. Reports citing a Taliban spokesman reveal that at least 2,000 people have lost their lives, and approximately 600 buildings have been damaged or reduced to rubble.
The toll of casualties is expected to rise as search and rescue operations are underway to locate individuals trapped beneath the debris. A statement from the United Nations confirms these dire circumstances, underscoring the urgency of the situation. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) provided details about the seismic activity, with the first earthquake originating approximately 40 kilometers northwest of Herat city, which is known as the cultural capital of Afghanistan. This initial quake was followed by a series of powerful aftershocks, including magnitudes of 6.3, 5.9, and 5.5.
The destruction caused by these tremors is extensive, particularly in the Zinda Jan and Ghoryan districts, where a dozen villages have been entirely decimated, according to officials quoted by Report. This tragic event brings back memories of a previous earthquake in June 2022, when Afghanistan's Paktika province was struck by a 5.9 magnitude tremor. The consequences were severe, with over 1,000 lives lost, approximately 1,500 individuals injured, and extensive damage to hundreds of homes.
The recent seismic activity in western Afghanistan serves as a grim reminder of the region's vulnerability to natural disasters and the importance of preparedness and response efforts in the face of such devastating events.
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