At least 15 lives have been claimed, and approximately 40 individuals have suffered injuries in the aftermath of a series of potent earthquakes that struck western Afghanistan on Saturday. This grim report comes from Mullah Jan Sayeq, the spokesperson for Afghanistan’s ministry of disaster management, based on initial assessments in the Zinda Jan district of Herat province.
Around noon, the city of Herat was jolted by no fewer than five vigorous earthquakes, as recounted by Herat city resident Abdul Shakor Samadi. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), two of these quakes registered magnitudes of 6.3. The epicenter was located 40 kilometers (24.8 miles) northwest of Herat city and was tracked by an aftershock registering a magnitude of 5.5.
A map displayed on the USGS website illustrates seven seismic events in the vicinity, including a 5.9 magnitude earthquake situated 35 kilometers (21.7 miles) north-northwest of Herat, a 6.3 magnitude earthquake 33 kilometers (20.5 miles) north-northeast of Zindah Jan, and another 6.3 magnitude earthquake 29 kilometers (18 miles) north-northeast of Zindah Jan, which is situated approximately 43 kilometers (26 miles) west of Herat city.
The calamity has prompted widespread evacuations, leaving residences, offices, and shops unoccupied. Amid the ongoing uncertainty, the populace remains fearful of additional seismic activity.
Abdul Shakor Samadi, an eyewitness, shared his experience: “My family and I were inside our home when I felt the quake. We reacted swiftly, rushing outdoors, and are hesitant to return indoors.”
As of now, the Taliban government authorities have not released statements regarding potential casualties or damage.
With telephone lines disrupted, obtaining precise information from the affected regions has proven challenging. Videos circulating on social media depict numerous individuals taking to the streets outside their residences and workplaces in Herat city.
Herat province shares its border with Iran, and the quake’s tremors extended to nearby provinces, including Farah and Badghis, as reported by local media.
Notably, in June 2022, a formidable earthquake struck the rugged, mountainous terrain of eastern Afghanistan, resulting in the destruction of stone and mud-brick homes. It marked Afghanistan’s deadliest earthquake in two decades, with a toll of at least 1,000 fatalities and approximately 1,500 injuries.
(With inputs from Agencies)
