In a heartbreaking turn of events, western Afghanistan was struck by two powerful earthquakes with a magnitude of 6.3, resulting in the loss of lives and substantial damages to villages in the Herat province. As the region copes with the aftermath of this disaster, the priority lies in providing aid and support to the affected communities and addressing the underlying concerns surrounding seismic activity. This article sheds light on the recent earthquakes and their impact on the people of Afghanistan.
The Quakes and Their Impact:
On Saturday, two successive earthquakes shook the Zenda Jan district in Herat, causing devastation and panic among the residents. The tremors claimed the lives of at least 15 individuals, while close to 40 others suffered injuries. Mohammad Abdullah Jan, spokesperson for Afghanistan’s national disaster authority, reported that the villages in Zenda Jan were the most affected, with numerous houses suffering significant damage.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) swiftly reported the earthquakes, measuring them at a magnitude of 6.3. The epicenter was recorded 40 kilometers northwest of Herat city, with an additional aftershock registering at 5.5 magnitude. Remarkably, the USGS website indicates a total of seven earthquakes in the vicinity. Residents of Herat city, like Abdul Shakor Samadi, experienced the force of the earthquakes firsthand, with five powerful tremors striking the city around noon.
The Impact on the Community:
The tremors triggered widespread fear and prompted an immediate evacuation of homes, offices, and shops. Given the magnitude and frequency of the earthquakes, many residents opted to remain outside, apprehensive about returning indoors. Telecommunication networks also suffered disruptions, hindering efforts to gather detailed information on the affected areas.
Videos circulating on social media platforms depicted hundreds of individuals taking to the streets outside their homes and offices, a testament to the anxiety and uncertainty prevailing in the aftermath of the earthquakes. The impact was not limited to Herat province alone, as nearby regions such as Farah and Badghis were also affected, according to local media reports.
Condolences and Response:
In the wake of this tragedy, the Taliban-appointed deputy prime minister for economic affairs, Abdul Ghani Baradar, extended condolences to the victims and their families in Herat and Badghis. This expression of sympathy underscores the shared sorrow and the collective responsibility to support those affected by the earthquakes.
Reflecting on Past Disasters:
It is worth noting that Afghanistan has witnessed the devastating consequences of seismic activity in the past. In June 2022, an enormously powerful earthquake struck an unforgiving mountainous region in the eastern part of the country. This particular earthquake, considered Afghanistan’s deadliest in two decades, claimed the lives of over 1,000 people and left approximately 1,500 injured. Such events underscore the urgency for proactive measures to mitigate the impact of future tremors and enhance the resilience of Afghan communities.
The recent earthquakes in western Afghanistan have left a trail of destruction, grief, and fear across affected regions. The priority now lies in extending much-needed aid and support to the impacted communities and ensuring their recovery and rebuilding. Moreover, this unfortunate event serves as a reminder of the importance of developing robust seismic preparedness strategies to safeguard Afghan lives in the face of potential future earthquakes. As the nation unites in its efforts to assist those in need, may the resilience and determination of the Afghan people prevail in the face of adversity.
Market Capital Research 