A powerful magnitude-6.3 earthquake struck western Afghanistan’s Herat province on October 7, causing widespread devastation and claiming over 2,400 lives. The quake, followed by strong aftershocks, has left countless families grieving and entire communities in ruins.
Local authorities report that many villages in the hardest-hit areas have been utterly destroyed. In one such village, resident Naim Shah recounted the harrowing experience of losing his son and witnessing the destruction of his home. “My home was entirely destroyed; nothing remains,” Shah told reporters. “About 100 houses were destroyed, and over 1,000 people died in our village alone.”
The scale of the disaster has overwhelmed local resources, with rescue and relief efforts hampered by the extensive damage to infrastructure. Survivors are in urgent need of shelter, medical assistance, and basic necessities. The international community has been called upon to support the relief operations as Afghanistan grapples with one of its deadliest earthquakes in recent history.
Herat province, known for its historical significance and cultural heritage, now faces the daunting task of rebuilding amidst immense loss. The earthquake’s impact extends beyond immediate casualties, threatening long-term economic stability and exacerbating existing humanitarian challenges in the region.
As rescue teams continue to search for survivors amidst the rubble, stories of loss and resilience emerge, highlighting the urgent need for solidarity and support. The full extent of the devastation is still unfolding, with fears that the death toll may rise as more information becomes available.
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Bereaved villagers in Afghanistan's Herat describe quake devastation
cgtn.com
