A devastating earthquake that hit Herat and its neighboring provinces on Saturday has left over 2,400 people dead and over 2,000 others injured, according to local officials. The quake, which measured 6.3 on the Richter scale, was followed by a series of aftershocks that caused further damage and panic.
The initial tremor, measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale, jolted the region on Saturday morning, sending shockwaves through Herat province. This sparsely populated area, characterized by mud-brick homes and rugged terrain, bore the brunt of the quake’s force. Following the initial shock, multiple aftershocks and another significant earthquake occurred on Sunday, further compounding the devastation.
According to the Ministry of Disaster Management, reports from news outlets verify that the earthquake in Herat has caused the demise of more than 2,400 individuals, with over 2,000 others sustaining injuries. Janan Saiq, the ministry’s spokesperson, said that the quake hit 13 villages in the Zinda Jan district of Herat, where 1,320 houses were destroyed. He also said that the quake affected the livestock, but the exact number is not known yet.
Saiq had earlier reported that the number of injured people was around 9,240, but he later corrected his mistake and apologized for the error. He said that the ministry is working to provide relief and assistance to the affected people.
The 13 villages that suffered the most damage from the earthquake are Naib Rafi, Karnil Wardaki, Panjab, Sarboland, Kashtak, Kajkal, Sia Aab, Aghzlak, Botan, Gharmoshak, Nawabad, Chashma-e-Ghori and Naik.
The earthquake has sparked widespread reactions inside Afghanistan as well as abroad, with many countries and organizations expressing their solidarity and support for the victims.
The US Secretary of State said on Sunday that Washington is “carefully tracking the impact of the earthquake” and “our humanitarian partners are responding with urgent aid in support of the people of Afghanistan.”
The Qatari foreign ministry also in a statement expressed “its solidarity” with victims and said that Qatar is ready to provide necessary assistance for the recovery from the quake’s effects.
The foreign ministry of Saudi Arabia in a statement expressed “its deepest sympathy and sorrow for the victims of the earthquake.”
The office of the caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan said in a statement that Pakistan has arranged to dispatch relief items, including food, medicine, tents and blankets, to the affected areas. It also said that search and rescue teams are ready to be deployed if needed.
The UAE’s ministry of foreign affairs also offered its “sincere condolences and solidarity with the Afghan people.”
Hissein Brahim Taha, the Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), on social media expressed his condolences and affirmed that the OIC stands in full support of and in solidarity with Afghanistan and its people in this “trying moment.”
The deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, said that the Islamic Emirate will welcome any assistance of any country to the victims. He also urged the local authorities to do their best to help the affected people and provide them with shelter, food and health care.
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