Herat, Afghanistan — The death toll from a series of powerful earthquakes that shook western Afghanistan has surged to 2,445, according to local authorities on Sunday night. The quakes have left a trail of destruction across Herat and neighboring provinces, with thousands more injured and countless structures reduced to rubble.
The most severely impacted area is the Zenda Jan district of Herat province, where Mawlawi Musa Ashari, the provincial director for the National Disaster Management Authority, reported that 13 villages have been “utterly destroyed.” Survivors are grappling with the catastrophic aftermath as they search desperately for loved ones amidst the ruins of their homes.
The earthquakes struck on Saturday, sending residents fleeing into the streets. Many are now homeless and displaced, facing harsh conditions without shelter or adequate medical care. Relief efforts are underway, but the sheer scale of the disaster poses significant challenges for emergency responders.
A CGTN Stringer on the ground visited the epicenter, capturing harrowing scenes of devastation and the relentless work of rescue teams. Survivors wailed as they struggled to pull their buried loved ones from the rubble, their faces etched with grief and desperation.
“We have lost everything,” one resident lamented, standing amidst the debris of what was once his home. “Our homes are gone, our families are gone. We need help.”
The international community has begun to respond, with neighboring countries and global organizations expressing solidarity and offering support. However, access to remote areas and the risk of aftershocks are hindering relief efforts.
The earthquakes are a stark reminder of Afghanistan’s vulnerability to natural disasters, compounded by decades of conflict and limited infrastructure. As rescue teams continue their grim search, the nation mourns the immense loss and braces for the arduous journey of rebuilding.
Authorities are calling for immediate humanitarian assistance to address the urgent needs of survivors, including shelter, food, and medical aid. The full extent of the calamity is still unfolding, and there are fears that the death toll could rise even further.
Reference(s):
Exclusive Stringer dispatch: Afghan quake death toll surpasses 2,400
cgtn.com
