Afghanistan Earthquake: Over 2,000 killed; rescue and relief ops on | In 7 points | World News – The Indian Express
In a recent earthquake near the Iranian border in western Afghanistan, hundreds of fatalities are feared, though the initial estimate of over 2,000 deaths was later corrected to include injured individuals. The earthquake, measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale, caused significant destruction across at least 12 villages near Herat city, with powerful aftershocks exacerbating the chaos. Survivors recounted the terrifying experience of buildings collapsing around them.
Rescue operations have been underway tirelessly to locate and save survivors buried beneath the rubble. Sadly, thousands have sustained injuries, further straining the limited medical facilities in Afghanistan. International bodies like the United Nations (UN) and various organizations have initiated the delivery of emergency aid to the affected regions.
The earthquake’s epicenter was approximately 40 kilometers northwest of Herat, striking at around 11:00 local time. The most severely affected communities are remote and primarily consist of mud structures, which crumbled during the initial tremor. This has left many families unaccounted for, as reported by a resident, Bashir Ahmad, whose family resides in one of the affected villages.
Amidst this crisis, the Taliban’s public health minister has visited Herat to assess the extent of the damage, while the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that at least 465 houses have been leveled by the earthquake. This natural disaster underscores the urgent need for humanitarian assistance in a country already grappling with numerous challenges.
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