Over 2,500 killed in Afghanistan earthquakes.
Deadly Earthquakes Strike Western Afghanistan
Over 2,500 people have tragically lost their lives following a pair of powerful earthquakes in western Afghanistan. The tremors, measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale, struck near the city of Herat, causing widespread devastation.
The initial quake, centered just 20 miles west of Herat, was followed by several strong aftershocks. The US Geological Survey (USGS) reported magnitudes of 6.3, 5.9, and 5.5 for these subsequent tremors.
The Ministry of Disaster Management confirmed the death toll, stating that more than 2,500 people have perished in Herat. Rescue teams are currently on the ground, providing aid and shelter to those affected.
According to the Bakhtar News Agency, at least 12 villages in the Zinda Jan and Ghorian districts have been completely destroyed.
Janan Sayeeq, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Disasters, revealed that the earthquakes have claimed the lives of 2,053 individuals, injured over 2,000, and caused significant damage to 1,320 houses.
In response to the disaster, the Taliban has called upon local organizations to assist in providing food and shelter for survivors.
Video footage and photographs depict the harrowing scenes of survivors seeking safety in the streets.
Abdul Shakor Samadi, a resident of Herat, described the mass evacuations taking place as people flee their homes, offices, and shops, fearing further earthquakes.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has dispatched ambulances to transport casualties to hospitals in Zenda Jan.
.@WHO extends our thoughts to the people of Herat, @Afghanistan who have been affected by the earthquake today. We have sent medicines & medical supplies to the hospitals to support treatment of those wounded. Our warehouse is ready to deploy for additional medicines as needed. pic.twitter.com/2WkDBophEc
— WHO Afghanistan (@WHOAfghanistan) October 7, 2023
As the death toll continues to rise, WHO officials are working tirelessly in hospitals to treat the wounded and assess additional needs. Ambulances provided by the WHO are transporting those affected, with a significant number being women and children.
Afghanistan is no stranger to earthquakes, with frequent tremors occurring in the Hindukush mountain range, where the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates meet.
Last year, a 5.9 magnitude earthquake in the Paktika province claimed the lives of over 1,000 people and left tens of thousands homeless.
How can the international community provide assistance and support to Afghanistan in the long-term recovery and reconstruction efforts following the deadly earthquakes
Agency, the earthquakes caused extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure in the region. Many houses and buildings collapsed, trapping people beneath the debris. The lack of proper construction and safety measures in the area contributed to the high number of casualties.
Local authorities are struggling to address the immediate needs of the affected population. Hospitals are overwhelmed with injured individuals, and there is a shortage of medical supplies and personnel. Additionally, there is a scarcity of clean water and food, exacerbating the already dire situation.
The Afghan government has declared a state of emergency in the affected areas and has requested international assistance. Several countries, including neighboring Pakistan and Iran, have pledged support and sent rescue teams and supplies to aid in the relief efforts.
Rescue teams are working tirelessly to sift through the rubble and search for survivors. However, the remote and mountainous terrain in western Afghanistan is hampering rescue operations. Landslides triggered by the earthquakes have further complicated the task.
The earthquakes in Afghanistan serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of communities in seismic-prone regions. Afghanistan is located along the boundary between the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates, making it susceptible to earthquakes. Yet, the country lacks the necessary infrastructure and resources to effectively respond to such disasters.
The international community must step up its efforts to provide assistance and support to Afghanistan in the aftermath of these deadly earthquakes. Immediate relief in the form of medical supplies, clean water, and food is crucial to prevent further loss of life.
Long-term recovery and reconstruction efforts will also be essential to rebuild the affected areas and ensure that communities are better prepared for future earthquakes. Improved building codes and infrastructure resilience can help mitigate the impact of such natural disasters and save lives.
Deadly earthquakes, like the ones that struck western Afghanistan, remind us of the importance of disaster preparedness and the need for global cooperation to mitigate their devastating effects. It is our collective responsibility to support affected communities and work towards a safer and more resilient world.
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