A recent earthquake with a magnitude of 6.3 struck western Afghanistan near the city of Herat, causing additional casualties and injuries in an area still recovering from two previous devastating tremors.
The US Geological Survey reported the epicenter to be 30km northwest of Herat, while local health authorities confirmed at least one fatality and over 100 individuals being treated for injuries in the regional hospital. The earlier quakes had primarily affected women and children, according to UNICEF.
The economic crisis in Afghanistan, exacerbated by the Taliban’s governance and the halt in direct aid to the government, has left the country struggling to cope with the aftermath of the natural disasters. Despite the challenges, various aid organizations, including the World Health Organization and Medicines Sans Frontiers, have been actively providing assistance to those in need.
The concern over the Taliban’s ability to manage the situation as winter approaches highlights the urgency for international support and aid efforts to ensure the well-being and safety of the affected population, particularly vulnerable groups.
The frequent occurrence of earthquakes in the region emphasizes the need for comprehensive disaster management strategies and resilient infrastructure to mitigate the impact of future natural disasters.
Image Source: https://www.npr.org/2023/10/15/1206006188/powerful-earthquake-hits-west-afghanistan-a-week-after-strong-quakes-in-same-reg
