At least 15 people were killed and 40 injured after multiple earthquakes struck western Afghanistan on Saturday, according to a disaster management official. The US Geological Survey reported that the quake had a magnitude of 6.3, with subsequent quakes striking 35 km (20 miles) northwest of the city of Herat. The casualty figures are based on primary reports from the Zinda Jan district of Herat Province, as confirmed by Mullah Jan Sayeq, spokesperson for Afghanistan’s ministry of disaster management.
In addition to Herat, the earthquakes also affected the provinces of Farah and Badghis, where there are reports of widespread damage to houses. However, there are no details yet regarding casualties in those areas. In response to the disaster, emergency teams and volunteers are preparing to go to Herat and assist the victims, according to Erfanullah Sharafzoi, spokesperson for the Afghan Red Crescent.
The multiple tremors caused panic among the residents of Herat, as stated by Naseema, a local resident. She reported that people had left their houses and gathered on the streets. The city was also experiencing follow-on tremors, adding to the fear and uncertainty. The situation remains ongoing and developments continue to unfold.
– By Mohammad Yunus Yawar