Afghanistan Earthquake: Over 320 killed, 12 villages entirely destroyed after powerful quake hits Herat

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• Oct 8, 2023 | Dhupali Das

Afghanistan Earthquake: The US Geological Survey (USGS) recorded a series of six earthquakes in western Afghanistan, with the...

Digital Desk: A devastating 6.3-magnitude earthquake rocked western Afghanistan's Herat province, leaving more than 320 people dead and hundreds injured, according to reports from the United Nations. Local officials in Herat have reported that the death toll is expected to rise as rescue efforts continue.

The earthquake has caused extensive damage across the region. Reports indicate that over 30 people have been confirmed dead, with more than 600 individuals sustaining injuries in Herat province alone. The Zinda Jan and Ghoryan districts have been particularly hard-hit, with 12 villages completely destroyed.

Janan Saiq, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Disaster Management, confirmed the tragic event, stating that at least 15 people lost their lives in the Zinda Jan district and nearly 40 others were injured. Some houses in the neighboring provinces of Farah and Badghis also suffered partial destruction.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) recorded a series of six earthquakes in western Afghanistan, with the largest one registering a magnitude of 6.3. The epicenter of the most recent earthquake, with a magnitude of 5.9, was located in the Zinda Jan district of Herat, at a depth of 7.7 km. The tremors were felt in nearby provinces of Farah and Badghis, amplifying the scale of the disaster.

Afghanistan, situated near the convergence of the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates, has a history of seismic activity, especially in the Hindu Kush mountain range. This latest catastrophe serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerability of the region to earthquakes. In June 2022, a powerful earthquake in eastern Afghanistan claimed the lives of over 1,000 people and left approximately 1,500 others injured.

Rescue and relief efforts are underway, with local authorities and international organizations mobilizing resources to assist those affected by this tragic event. The government of Afghanistan has declared a state of emergency in the affected areas and is coordinating with humanitarian agencies to provide aid to the survivors.