A devastating magnitude-6.3 earthquake struck Afghanistan’s western Herat province on Saturday, leaving over 2,000 people dead and thousands more injured. The quake, followed by strong aftershocks, reduced buildings to rubble and sent shockwaves throughout the region.
Survivors described scenes of chaos and terror as homes and businesses collapsed around them. \”It felt like the end of the world,\” said one resident. \”Everything was shaking, and people were screaming and running in panic.\”
Rescue teams have been working tirelessly through the night, sifting through debris in search of survivors. The Herat Regional Hospital has been overwhelmed with hundreds of patients needing urgent medical attention. Hospital staff are stretched thin, and there is an urgent need for expanded medical services to cope with the influx of injured individuals.
\”We are doing everything we can, but the number of casualties is overwhelming,\” said a hospital official. \”We urgently need more supplies and medical personnel to treat the wounded.\”
The earthquake is one of the deadliest to hit Afghanistan in recent years, a country already grappling with economic challenges and limited infrastructure. International aid organizations and neighboring countries are mobilizing to provide assistance, but access to some remote areas remains difficult due to damaged roads and communication networks.
Authorities are urging residents to stay cautious as aftershocks continue to rattle the region. Temporary shelters are being set up for those who have lost their homes, and efforts are underway to assess the full extent of the damage.
The disaster highlights the critical need for improved disaster preparedness and infrastructure in earthquake-prone regions. As the people of Herat province face the long road to recovery, the international community watches closely, ready to offer support in this time of need.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
