On Wednesday, October 11, 2023, a 6.3 magnitude earthquake once again rattled the Western Afghanistan province of Herat. This is the second high magnitude tremor in the region of Herat in just a few days. On Saturday, October 7,2023, another 6.3 magnitude quake had struck the area, which reportedly also caused a death toll of over 2,400.
Saturday’s tremors :
On Saturday, October 7, 2023, a deadly earthquake struck Herat, Afghanistan and its surrounding regions with a magnitude of 6.3. Later, it was stated by the Taliban Administration that the number of casualties had risen to over 2,400 and that the number of dead due to the tragedy was expected to be even more. The October 7 earthquake was reported to be among the most deadly quakes to hit the country in two decades. The Saturday earthquake also had some very powerful aftershocks along with several lesser shocks. According to the United States Geological Survey, the epicentre of the quake on Saturday was about 25 miles ( 40 kilometres ) northwest of Herat. Moreover, the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) had earlier said that the majority of the casualties in the earthquake included children and women.
Details of the latest earthquake :
Reportedly, the epicentre of the quake was around 29 kilometres north of Herat city according to the United States Geological Survey. The quake struck Afghanistan early Wednesday morning, local time. No immediate details or reports of casualties or wreckage due to the recent earthquake have yet been made known. Though the scope and damage of the earthquake are not yet known, several people were sleeping outside in tents due to the damage caused by the Saturday earthquake.
Moreover, the Herat governor’s office stated that “huge losses” had occurred in some regions, without giving out any specific details. In a statement, the government’s office also said that officials and mobile medical teams have been working together and that several injured people have been transferred to hospitals.
According to the United Nations, the Saturday quake is said to have affected at least 12,000 people. Rescue teams were already engaged in operations to find survivors and dead buried underneath the debris caused by Saturday’s quake when another high magnitude earthquake struck the region.
Aid by international actors :
Countries of Iran, Turkey, Pakistan and China pledged to send in blankets, medicines, food, tents and funds as aid to Afghanistan.
The Humanitarian office of the United Nations had announced assistance worth $5 million.
2.5 million euros, which is $2.65 million, was announced to be provided by the European Union to humanitarian partners working in order to provide relief and aid to the people in Afghanistan. Shelter kits, hygiene kits, tents were also among other relief supplies offered by the European Union.
