The western province of Herat in Afghanistan has experienced a magnitude 6.3 earthquake – its third since powerful quakes on October 7 claimed the lives of over 2,000 individuals.
These series of earthquakes have resulted in the destruction of entire villages, burying families and leaving thousands without homes as winter approaches.
Residents in Herat, the capital of the Afghan province with the same name, had just started returning to their homes – after spending days sleeping outside due to fear of aftershocks – when the most recent earthquake struck at around 8am (02:30 GMT) on Sunday.
According to the United States Geological Survey, the epicenter of the quake was located 33km (21 miles) northwest of Herat City.
Save the Children reported that four individuals have died and 153 injured individuals were admitted to Herat Regional Hospital. Structures in the Baloch area of Rabat Sangi district have collapsed. The aid group also stated that several villages have been destroyed. However, authorities have reported lower casualty numbers.
Sayed Kazim Rafiqi, a 42-year-old resident of Herat, expressed that he had never witnessed such devastation before, with a majority of houses being damaged and people living in fear.
Rafiqi and others went to the hospital to donate much-needed blood. He stated, ”We must assist in any way we can.”
Article from www.aljazeera.com