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Earthquakes kill over 2,000 in Afghanistan. People are freeing the dead and injured with their hands

by Andrew Wright
5 comments
Earthquake Tragedy Afghanistan

A devastating earthquake with a magnitude of 6.3 has struck western Afghanistan, resulting in a tragic loss of life. According to a spokesperson for the Taliban government, over 2,000 people have lost their lives, marking one of the most deadly seismic events the country has witnessed in the past two decades. It is important to note that these figures have not yet been independently verified.

The earthquake, which occurred on Saturday, was followed by a series of powerful aftershocks. The United States Geological Survey reported that the epicenter of the quake was located approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) northwest of Herat city. Subsequently, the region experienced three significant aftershocks, measuring magnitudes of 6.3, 5.9, and 5.5, in addition to several smaller tremors.

In the aftermath of this catastrophic event, residents of Herat have been mobilizing to rescue those trapped beneath the rubble, using their bare hands to free the injured and recover the deceased. Heart-wrenching scenes have unfolded, with survivors and victims alike trapped beneath the debris of collapsed buildings, their faces obscured by a shroud of dust.

Heartbreaking footage shared online captured the rescue of a baby girl who had been buried under the wreckage, with a hand tenderly cradling her tiny torso as she was carefully extricated from the ground. The identity and fate of the baby’s mother remain uncertain.

Abdul Wahid Rayan, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Information and Culture, has reported that the death toll is even higher than initially estimated. Entire villages have been razed, and hundreds of civilians remain buried beneath the debris. Urgent assistance is desperately needed. Rayan stated, “Besides the 2,060 dead, 1,240 people are injured and 1,320 houses are completely destroyed.” Multiple response teams, including military and nonprofit organizations such as the Red Crescent, have been mobilized to aid in the rescue efforts.

The United Nations migration agency has dispatched ambulances with medical professionals and psychosocial support counselors to the regional hospital. Furthermore, mobile health teams are en route to the Zenda Jan district, one of the hardest-hit areas. Doctors Without Borders has erected five medical tents at the Herat Regional Hospital, with a capacity to accommodate up to 80 patients. To date, they have treated over 300 patients.

Irfanullah Sharafzai, a spokesperson for the Afghan Red Crescent Society, revealed that seven rescue teams are actively engaged, with additional teams en route from neighboring provinces. A temporary shelter has been established for those who have lost their homes and are in need of immediate refuge.

Neighboring Pakistan has expressed profound sorrow over the earthquake’s devastation and is in close contact with Afghan authorities to assess urgent requirements for those affected. China’s ambassador to Afghanistan, Zhao Xing, has pledged support from the Chinese government and charitable organizations. Similarly, Afghan cricket star Rashid Khan has committed to donating all his Cricket World Cup fees to aid the earthquake survivors in Herat. He intends to launch a fundraising campaign to rally support from those who can assist the affected population.

Japan’s ambassador to Afghanistan, Takashi Okada, conveyed his condolences via social media, expressing deep grief and sadness over the earthquake in Herat province. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the profound impact of natural disasters on vulnerable communities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Earthquake Tragedy Afghanistan

What was the magnitude of the earthquake in Afghanistan?

The earthquake in Afghanistan had a magnitude of 6.3, making it a powerful seismic event.

How many people were reported to have been killed in the earthquake?

According to a spokesperson for the Taliban government, the earthquake resulted in the tragic loss of at least 2,000 lives.

Has the reported death toll been independently verified?

No, the reported death toll of 2,000 people could not be independently verified at the time of the report.

Where was the epicenter of the earthquake located?

The epicenter of the earthquake was approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) northwest of Herat city in Afghanistan.

Were there any aftershocks following the main earthquake?

Yes, there were several aftershocks, including three very strong ones measuring magnitudes of 6.3, 5.9, and 5.5, as well as lesser tremors.

How did the local residents respond to the disaster?

In the aftermath of the earthquake, local residents in Herat engaged in rescue efforts, often using their bare hands to free the injured and recover those trapped under the debris of collapsed buildings.

What were the conditions like for those trapped under the rubble?

Survivors and victims were found trapped under buildings that had crumbled to the ground, with their faces covered in dust.

Were there any reports of miraculous rescues?

Yes, there were reports of miraculous rescues, including the dramatic rescue of a baby girl buried up to her neck in debris. A video circulating online captured this emotional moment.

How has the Afghan government responded to the disaster?

The Afghan government has initiated response efforts, with multiple teams mobilized for rescue operations. These teams include military personnel and nonprofit organizations like the Red Crescent.

What is the international community doing to help?

The United Nations migration agency has deployed ambulances with medical professionals and support counselors to the regional hospital. Various countries, including Pakistan and China, have expressed their condolences and readiness to provide aid. Afghan cricket star Rashid Khan has pledged his support and intends to launch a fundraising campaign to assist the earthquake survivors.

Are there any organizations providing medical assistance?

Doctors Without Borders has set up five medical tents at the Herat Regional Hospital to treat patients. They have already provided medical care to over 300 individuals.

What is the current situation in the affected areas?

The situation remains dire, with entire villages destroyed, hundreds of houses completely flattened, and a significant number of people in need of medical attention and shelter. The Afghan Red Crescent Society and other humanitarian organizations are working tirelessly to address these urgent needs.

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5 comments

DiplomatFan October 8, 2023 - 3:03 pm

Countries like Pakistan, China, n Japan offerin support, it’s important for nations to help each other in times like this

Reply
SocialMediaJunkie October 8, 2023 - 6:35 pm

Rashid Khan’s doin a gr8 thing pledgin his Cricket World Cup fees to help out, respect!

Reply
Reader123 October 9, 2023 - 2:37 am

oh man, this’s such a sad story, so many peple hurt by the quake, hope they get help soon

Reply
InfoGeek October 9, 2023 - 5:26 am

dat’s a big earthquake, 2000 dead? omg so sad, n people rescuin with their hands, heroes!

Reply
AidSupporter October 9, 2023 - 5:44 am

gud to see orgs like Drs Wout Borders n Red Crscent helpin out, they do important work

Reply

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