Afghanistan rocked by another high intensity earthquake of magnitude 6.3
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On Sunday, a 6.3-magnitude earthquake rattled western Afghanistan, as reported by the US Geological Survey, adding to a series of tremors that have recently shaken the region. The quake's epicenter was situated 33 kilometers (20 miles) from Herat city, the capital of the western province, with a depth of 6.3 kilometers.
This event followed a magnitude 6.3 earthquake on October 7, along with eight powerful aftershocks, which resulted in over 1,000 fatalities and hundreds of injuries in the same area.
The region witnessed yet another tremor of similar magnitude, causing one fatality and injuring 130 others, leaving entire villages flattened and thousands without shelter. As a consequence of these earthquakes, more than 12,000 people have been impacted, with UNICEF revealing that over 90% of the casualties were women and children.
This challenging situation is exacerbated by Afghanistan's ongoing humanitarian crisis, characterized by the withdrawal of foreign aid after the Taliban's resurgence to power in August 2021. Providing shelter on a large scale presents a significant challenge for the Taliban authorities, who have strained relations with international aid organizations.
Homes in rural Afghanistan are typically made from mud and wooden support poles, lacking steel or concrete reinforcement. The prevalence of multi-generational extended family structures in the region means that earthquakes can have a devastating impact on entire communities.
These earthquakes further compound the difficulties faced by Afghanistan, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and support for the affected population.
