At Least 320 People Killed In Multiple Earthquakes In Afghanistan: United Nations| Details

A devastating series of powerful earthquakes has struck western Afghanistan, resulting in a tragic loss of life. According to the United Nations, at least 320 people have been killed in the aftermath of these seismic events as per a report in The Guardian.

The initial earthquake, with a magnitude of 6.3, originated approximately 24.8 miles (40 km) northwest of Herat, the largest city in the region. This was followed by a 5.5 magnitude aftershock, as reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

The earthquakes struck at around 11 a.m. local time, causing panic among residents who fled buildings as the tremors continued for over an hour. Landslides have been reported, and there are people trapped under collapsed buildings.

Bashir Ahmad, a 45-year-old resident of Herat, recounted the terrifying experience, saying, "We were in our offices, and suddenly the building started shaking. Wall plasters started to fall, and the walls got cracks; some walls and parts of the building collapsed. I am not able to contact my family; network connections are disconnected. I am too worried and scared; it was horrifying."

In the immediate aftermath of the initial earthquake, women and children sought refuge in the wide streets, away from tall buildings.

The USGS issued a preliminary report, stating, "Significant casualties are likely, and the disaster is potentially widespread. Past events with this alert level have required a regional or national level response."

The region has experienced a series of earthquakes, with seven reported in the area, a magnitude 5.9 earthquake 21.7 miles north-north-west of Herat, a 6.3 magnitude earthquake 20.5 miles north-north-east of Zindah Jan, and another 6.3 magnitude earthquake 18 miles north-north-east of Zindah Jan, which is about 26 miles west of Herat city as indicated by a map posted on the USGS website reported The Guardian.

Communication lines were disrupted, making it challenging to obtain precise information from the affected areas. Videos shared on social media showed hundreds of people outside their homes and offices in Herat city.

Herat province shares a border with Iran, and the impact of the earthquake was felt in nearby provinces such as Farah and Badghis.

The Taliban government officials have not provided immediate comments regarding casualties or damage.

Afghanistan is prone to earthquakes, particularly in the Hindu Kush mountain range, situated near the convergence of the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates. A powerful earthquake struck the mountainous region of eastern Afghanistan in June 2022 killing over 1000 people and injuring approximately 1500.

This devastating seismic event adds to the challenges faced by Afghanistan, which is already grappling with a humanitarian crisis due to the withdrawal of foreign aid and the return of the Taliban to power in 2021.