A series of powerful earthquakes rocked Afghanistan over the weekend, resulting in a devastating loss of life and widespread destruction. The Taliban administration has confirmed that more than 2,000 people have lost their lives, and over 9,000 have been injured in what has become one of the deadliest seismic events the country has experienced in years.
Initially, confusion surrounded the reporting of casualties, with conflicting numbers emerging from various sources. On Sunday morning, a spokesperson for the Red Crescent initially reported 500 casualties, while an earlier report from Saturday night had suggested 16 fatalities. The scale of the disaster became tragically apparent as the situation unfolded.
The epicenter of the earthquakes was located approximately 35 kilometers (20 miles) northwest of the city of Herat, with the most significant tremor measuring a magnitude of 6.3, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
Mullah Janan Sayeeq, spokesman for the Ministry of Disasters, informed Reuters that the current toll stands at 2,053 confirmed deaths, 9,240 individuals injured, and 1,329 houses damaged or destroyed. Hospitals in Herat have been inundated with the injured, with more than 200 deceased brought in for treatment. Shockingly, a significant number of the victims are reported to be women and children.
Naseema, a resident of Herat, described the panic that gripped the city on Saturday, stating, “People left their houses, we all are on the streets.” She further noted that the city continued to experience aftershocks, compounding the fear and anxiety among the population.
Herat, located approximately 120 kilometers east of the Iranian border, is not only an important urban center but also regarded as the cultural capital of Afghanistan. It is the capital of Herat province, home to an estimated population of 1.9 million according to 2019 World Bank data.
Afghanistan is known for its vulnerability to earthquakes, particularly in the Hindu Kush mountain range, which lies near the convergence of the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates. This geographical location has made the region prone to seismic activity.
The recent devastating earthquakes come at a time when Afghanistan is already grappling with a dire humanitarian crisis. The country has been experiencing the withdrawal of foreign aid since the Taliban regained power in 2021, exacerbating the challenges faced by its citizens.
Rescue and relief efforts are underway in the affected areas, with local and international organizations working tirelessly to provide assistance to those affected by this tragic disaster.
