Multiple earthquakes struck western Afghanistan on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 people and leaving 40 others injured, according to a disaster management official. The initial quake, measuring a magnitude of 6.3, occurred near the city of Herat, with subsequent tremors reported around 35 km northwest of the epicenter. The Zinda Jan district of Herat province reported the majority of casualties, although widespread damage to houses has also been reported in the provinces of Farah and Badghis.
As news of the earthquakes spread, emergency teams and volunteers began preparing to travel to Herat to assist victims. The Afghan Red Crescent has mobilized support, and local spokesperson Erfanullah Sharafzoi confirmed that aid efforts were underway. The affected areas are grappling with the aftermath of the quakes, which have left many displaced and in need of urgent assistance.
The tremors caused widespread panic among residents of Herat. Naseema, a local resident, described how people hurriedly exited their homes and gathered on the streets. She also mentioned that the city continued to experience aftershocks, further adding to the anxiety and fear among the population. The situation remains tense as the full extent of the damage and number of casualties in Farah and Badghis are yet to be reported.
Authorities in Afghanistan are coordinating rescue and relief operations, urgently assessing the needs of the affected areas. The priority is to provide food, shelter, and medical assistance to those affected by the earthquakes. As the situation unfolds, it is expected that more accurate casualty figures and details of the damage will emerge.
Earthquakes are relatively common in Afghanistan, as the region sits on several tectonic plate boundaries. The country has experienced devastating quakes in the past, including the historic earthquake in 1998 that claimed the lives of approximately 5,000 people. Efforts to improve infrastructure and preparedness for such natural disasters have been ongoing, but the recent series of earthquakes highlights the ongoing vulnerability of the region.