Strong earthquake kills at least 100 in western Afghanistan: UN


Two earthquakes of magnitude 6.3 were recorded near Herat city on Saturday.

A powerful earthquake struck western Afghanistan on Saturday, killing at least 100 people and injuring at least 500, the United Nations said.

The United States Geological Survey reported two 6.3-magnitude earthquakes near the city of Herat, as well as several strong aftershocks. One of the aftershocks had a magnitude of 5.9.

According to the United Nations Office for Humanitarian Affairs in Afghanistan, the initial earthquake struck around 11 a.m. local time, 40 kilometers west of the city of Herat. Its shocks were also felt in the neighboring provinces of Badghis and Farah.

“Preliminary assessments indicate that around 100 people have been killed in eight villages in Zandajan province in Herat province … with another 500 injured,” the agency said in an update. , “Unconfirmed reports suggest the number may be as close as 320 people.”

About 4,200 people — about 600 families — have been affected so far, the agency said, with 465 houses destroyed and 135 damaged. He said the most affected village is Mahal Vadakha.

“Partners and local authorities fear that the death toll may rise as search and rescue efforts continue amid reports that some people are trapped under collapsed buildings,” said the UN Office for Humanitarian Affairs in Afghanistan. are”.

In the immediate aftermath of the disaster, Afghanistan’s National Disaster Management Authority said at least 15 people were killed and 40 injured.

Afghanistan’s National Disaster Management Authority said several houses were completely or partially destroyed in Herat province, while search and rescue efforts were underway.

In Afghanistan, the World Health Organization said on social media that it was sending medical supplies to hospitals and ambulances to transport victims “as casualties and deaths from the earthquake continue to be reported.”

United Nations agency Shared photos Healthcare workers are treating patients outside amid the response.

UNICEF Afghanistan also said it was “on the ground to assess the full impact” with its UN colleagues.

“Once again, children and families in Afghanistan have been affected by a devastating earthquake, this time in western Herat province,” UNICEF Afghanistan said on social media.

Last year, at least 1,000 people were killed and 1,500 injured after a magnitude 5.9 earthquake hit eastern Afghanistan near the Pakistani border.



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