In a devastating series of events, two powerful earthquakes measuring 6.3 magnitude struck western Afghanistan on Saturday, followed by several strong aftershocks. According to Taliban disaster management officials, the earthquakes have resulted in the deaths of over 2,000 people and injured more than 2,000 others. The death toll is expected to rise as the affected area is home to nearly 10,000 people. The epicenters of the quakes were located in the Zindajan district, approximately 40 kilometers west of Herat city, a major economic and cultural hub in western Afghanistan.

Earthquakes Kill 2,445 In Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/bWEkMrLx6o

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The tremors were felt in neighboring provinces such as Badghis and Farah as well. Initial assessments by the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) indicate that approximately 100 people have been killed in eight villages within the Zindajan district. The village of Mahal Wadakah is reported to be the worst affected. Reports suggest that 4,200 people have been affected by the earthquakes, with 465 houses destroyed and 135 damaged. However, these figures are expected to rise as rescue operations continue. This tragic incident comes at a time when Afghanistan is already grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by economic sanctions imposed by Western countries following the Taliban takeover.

Humanitarian organizations have been forced to cut aid to millions of people due to funding shortages. The World Food Programme, for example, had to cut off life-saving food assistance to 10 million people this year due to a funding crisis. Moreover, the Red Cross had to end funding for 25 hospitals in Afghanistan, including Herat Regional Hospital, due to financial constraints. Videos shared on social media depict the extent of destruction caused by the earthquakes. Mud houses that once dotted the landscape have been reduced to piles of rubble. Rescuers are tirelessly sifting through layers of collapsed clay in a desperate attempt to locate survivors.

Heart-wrenching cries for help can be heard from families whose loved ones are trapped under the debris. The scenes are chaotic and devastating. Hospitals in Herat province have been overwhelmed with wounded patients. The Ministry of Defense has transferred critically injured patients to Kabul province by air. Doctors Without Borders has set up five medical tents at the Herat regional hospital to accommodate up to 80 patients. The United Nations reports that around 2,100 people, including women and children, have been displaced to Herat city and are currently seeking shelter in abandoned buildings.

The Afghan Red Crescent has called on the international community and NGOs to provide immediate assistance to the affected families. In response to the disaster, Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Taliban de facto government's deputy prime minister for economic affairs, expressed his sympathies and directed the Disaster Management Commission to mobilize all available resources for immediate relief efforts. The provincial governor of Herat province has also urged people to come forward and assist the displaced by providing medicine and food. This earthquake marks the second deadliest to hit Afghanistan in less than two years.

In June 2022, a 5.9 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan, claiming over 1,000 lives and injuring more than 1,500 others. Rescue operations are ongoing as search teams continue to look for survivors in the rubble. The focus now shifts to providing aid and support to the affected communities, who are facing an already dire situation worsened by this devastating natural disaster.