Powerful Earthquakes Devastate Afghanistan, Leaving Hundreds Dead and Thousands Injured
Herat, Afghanistan – A series of at least six powerful earthquakes struck western Afghanistan on Saturday, October 7, 2023, triggering widespread devastation and leaving a mounting toll of at least 500 confirmed deaths and over 1,000 injuries. Rescue teams are racing against time to locate survivors trapped beneath the rubble of collapsed buildings in remote villages, hampered by challenging terrain and limited resources. The quakes, ranging in magnitude from 6.3 to 6.8, were centered approximately 35 kilometers (22 miles) northwest of Herat city, the regional capital, and felt across neighboring provinces.
The disaster strikes a nation already grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis,exacerbated by decades of conflict,drought,and economic hardship. Afghanistan’s fragile infrastructure and limited healthcare system are struggling to cope with the influx of casualties. The earthquakes have disproportionately impacted rural communities, where homes are frequently enough constructed from mud bricks and lack the structural integrity to withstand such intense seismic activity.This latest catastrophe underscores the country’s extreme vulnerability to natural disasters and the urgent need for international assistance to bolster disaster preparedness and response capabilities.
the first and most powerful quake struck at approximately 11:11 a.m. local time, followed by a series of strong aftershocks that continued throughout the day. Reports indicate entire villages have been flattened, with residents desperately digging through debris in search of loved ones. Abdul Wahid Rahmani, a Herat resident, described the scene as “doomsday,” stating that buildings had simply collapsed around people.
“We are facing a terrible situation,” said Mohammad Tahir, a spokesperson for the Taliban-run provincial government. “Hundreds of people are buried under the rubble.” He added that rescue efforts are being intricate by the remote location of many affected villages and the lack of heavy equipment.
Initial reports suggest the worst-hit provinces include Herat, Farah, and Badghis. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported that thousands of homes have been destroyed or damaged, leaving countless families without shelter. The World Health Organization (WHO) is mobilizing medical supplies and teams to support local health facilities, which are overwhelmed with the injured.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of life and the immense suffering caused by these earthquakes,” said Dr. Eklil Hakimi, the WHO representative in Afghanistan. “we are working closely with the authorities to provide urgent medical assistance and support to those affected.”
The Taliban government has appealed for international aid, and several countries and organizations have pledged assistance. However, delivering aid to the affected areas remains a significant challenge due to logistical constraints and the ongoing political situation in Afghanistan. The country’s already strained economy faces further pressure as the disaster disrupts agricultural activities and damages vital infrastructure.
Seismic activity is common in Afghanistan, which lies in an active seismic zone. however, the scale of Saturday’s earthquakes and the widespread damage are particularly concerning. Experts warn that the risk of further aftershocks remains high, and the death toll is expected to rise as rescue efforts continue and more facts becomes available from remote areas.The international community faces a critical test in responding to this unfolding humanitarian crisis and providing much-needed support to the Afghan people.
