12-10-2023 (CHAHAK) A powerful earthquake struck western Afghanistan, causing widespread destruction and triggering a devastating landslide. The magnitude 6.3 earthquake, centered approximately 28 kilometers (17 miles) outside the provincial capital of Herat, has resulted in significant loss of life and flattened entire villages. The catastrophe marks one of the most destructive earthquakes in the recent history of Afghanistan.
The earthquake, which occurred on Wednesday morning, caused panic and devastation in the region. The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the quake struck at a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles). As a result of the seismic activity, a landslide occurred, blocking the main Herat-Torghondi highway. Abdul Wahid Rayan, the spokesperson for the Information Ministry, confirmed the occurrence of the landslide.
Tragically, the earthquake claimed the life of at least one person, while approximately 120 individuals sustained injuries, according to Janan Sayiq, a spokesperson for the Afghan Taliban government’s national disaster authority. Herat Regional Hospital, supported by the aid group Doctors Without Borders, received 117 injured individuals, and additional medical supplies were swiftly sent to the hospital. MSF, as the group is also known, is setting up four more medical tents at the facility to accommodate the influx of patients.
The village of Chahak, which had previously been untouched by the earthquakes that struck the region in preceding days, experienced complete devastation as a result of Wednesday’s quake. All 700 homes in the village were flattened, leaving mounds of soil where dwellings once stood. Remarkably, there have been no reported deaths in Chahak so far, as residents had sought shelter in tents due to ongoing tremors. However, the loss of homes and livestock has left villagers distraught, particularly with the approaching harsh winter months. Their sense of security has been shattered, as they fear that the ground may open up at any moment.
This recent earthquake comes just days after a series of powerful quakes in the same region claimed the lives of over 2,000 people. The epicenter of the previous earthquake, also measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale, was located approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) northwest of Herat. The area continues to experience strong aftershocks, compounding the devastation and exacerbating the challenges faced by survivors.
In the wake of these disasters, residents in affected areas are struggling to cope with the loss of multiple family members and the destruction of their communities. Volunteers have joined forces with local authorities to search for survivors amidst the debris and dig mass graves. The scale of destruction is overwhelming, with nearly 2,000 houses in 20 villages reduced to rubble.
The United Nations has highlighted the vulnerability of children in the affected areas, emphasizing the severe psychological distress they have endured as a result of the earthquakes. The humanitarian response has seen several countries provide assistance. Iran has sent aid vehicles and technical teams, while Turkey has dispatched medical teams and essential supplies. The United Arab Emirates, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, and China have also contributed support in various forms.
Pakistan, a neighboring country, has offered assistance, but the delivery of aid has been delayed pending clearance from the Taliban. The relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan has faced strain recently due to Pakistan’s deadline for undocumented migrants, including 1.7 million Afghans residing illegally in the country, to leave before the end of October.
