Another Strong Earthquake in Afghanistan

Afghanistan is once again shaken by a powerful earthquake. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), a magnitude 6.3 earthquake occurred in the morning, approximately 33 kilometers from the city of Herat in the province of the same name.

According to a spokesperson for the provincial governor, one person was killed in the earthquake. At least 35 injured individuals were taken to a hospital. Just a few minutes after the initial tremors, a second earthquake measuring 5.5 magnitude occurred, according to the USGS.

Herat, the second-largest city in Afghanistan after Kabul, is located in the border province of the same name, near Iran. The earthquakes were also felt there on Sunday, as reported by residents of the city of Mashad, which is approximately 300 kilometers away.

Last week, several severe earthquakes struck the Herat region, resulting in the deaths of over 2,000 people, according to the Taliban government. They reported a total of 2,053 fatalities in 13 villages. Additionally, 9,240 people were injured, according to their statements. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, according to the authorities.

Women and children are particularly affected by the earthquakes. The earthquake over the past weekend, also measuring 6.3 magnitude according to Afghan officials and the USGS, had its epicenter 40 kilometers northwest of Herat. The authorities reported eight aftershocks ranging from 4.3 to 6.3 magnitude. Another aftershock measuring 4.2 magnitude, according to USGS, hit the area last Sunday.

According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), over 90% of the victims were women and children. More than 12,000 people were affected by the earthquakes, according to UN estimates.