The US Geological Survey (USGS) reported that a magnitude 6.3 earthquake occurred near the city of Herat. The quake’s depth was approximately 6.3 km (about 4 miles).
Local health authorities have confirmed at least one fatality, and more than 100 people are receiving treatment for injuries at the regional hospital, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Last Saturday, a powerful earthquake struck Zindajan, a rural district located about 40 km from Herat. The tremor caused significant damage, with many fragile houses collapsing, resulting in casualties, particularly among women and children.
Residents have been sleeping outside in tents due to fear of further earthquakes. While the casualties are expected to be relatively low due to this precaution, the psychological impact on the population is considerable. With winter approaching, people living in tents face additional challenges.
The Taliban, who have been governing Afghanistan since 2021, is expected to face difficulties in managing the situation as the colder weather sets in.
Afghanistan has been grappling with an economic crisis since the Taliban took control, resulting in a cessation of aid given directly to the government.
The region is prone to earthquakes due to its location near the junction of the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates, especially in the Hindu Kush mountain range.
In June of the previous year, a magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck the province of Paktika, causing over 1,000 deaths and leaving tens of thousands of people homeless.
