Over 100 Dead, 1,000 Feared Trapped As 6.3 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Afghanistan

Herat: Tragedy struck in western Afghanistan on Saturday when a powerful magnitude 6.3 earthquake jolted the region, leading to a rising death toll.

Disaster relief authorities have reported that “about 120” lives have been lost, while over 1,000 individuals are undergoing treatment for injuries.

Mosa Ashari, the head of Herat province’s disaster management, revealed the grim statistics, stating, “So far, more than 1,000 injured women, children, and elderly citizens have been included in our records, and about 120 people have lost their lives.”

The epicenter of the earthquake, according to the United States Geological Survey, was located 40 kilometers (25 miles) northwest of Herat, the largest city in the region.

Back-to-back earthquake hit Afghanistan

Following the initial quake, the area experienced seven aftershocks, with magnitudes ranging from 4.6 to 6.3, intensifying the impact of the disaster.

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In a video statement, Mullah Jan Sayeq, the spokesman for the National Disaster Management Authority, reported that “around 40” individuals had been injured across three provinces, in addition to the 15 lives lost.

He emphasized that these numbers represent preliminary figures, and there is a possibility that the toll could rise further as rescue and relief efforts continue.

As the affected communities grapple with the aftermath of this devastating earthquake, efforts are underway to provide aid and support to those in need while monitoring the situation for any further developments.

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