Earthquake Devastation Strikes Western Afghanistan: A Nation in Crisis
Tragedy Strikes: Devastating Earthquake Hits Western Afghanistan
In a heartbreaking turn of events, a powerful earthquake has shaken the very foundations of western Afghanistan, leaving behind a trail of destruction and despair. The Taliban reported on Sunday that more than 2,000 lives have been tragically lost in the wake of this natural disaster. This devastating event comes at a time when Afghanistan is already grappling with economic turmoil.
The earthquake, measuring a formidable 6.3 on the Richter scale, struck with its epicenter located just 25 miles (40 kilometers) west of Herat city in the western Herat province. Herat is Afghanistan’s third-largest city, making the impact even more significant.
Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mojahid, revealed the grim statistics, stating that 2,053 people had perished, with an additional 1,240 individuals suffering injuries. The seismic upheaval also wreaked havoc on homes, leaving 1,320 houses either completely destroyed or severely damaged. These figures, however, might not be final, as there are mounting fears that the death toll could rise even further.
Emergency response teams have swiftly arrived in Herat province, delivering essential supplies such as food, water, medicines, and clothing to those affected, according to Mojahid.
The initial earthquake tremors were not limited to Herat alone. Neighboring provinces, namely Badghis and Farah, also felt the ground shake, followed by a series of unsettling aftershocks.
Interestingly, initial assessments from the United Nations painted a less dire picture, with an estimated 100 fatalities and 500 injuries. Nonetheless, the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported approximately 500 homes reduced to rubble and 135 buildings damaged, impacting a total of 4,200 people (600 families).
Heartbreaking images of colossal heaps of debris and crumbled buildings emerged, depicting the sheer devastation caused by the earthquake. Desperate survivors gathered in the streets, seeking safety from the catastrophe.
One village, Mahal Wadakah, bore the brunt of the disaster, with at least 20 confirmed deaths. Other severely affected areas included Dasht Hows, Bahadorzai, Zoryan, and Koshkak, as highlighted by the UN. Additionally, approximately 2,100 people from 300 families have been displaced to Herat City, where they now reside in abandoned structures.
Afghanistan has been struck by a series of earthquakes recently, adding to its woes as the country grapples with a dire economic crisis and a hunger crisis. This unfortunate combination has resulted in the loss of tens of thousands of lives and displacement of countless others.
Afghanistan, historically one of Asia’s poorest nations, has been plagued by conflict for decades, further eroding its ability to respond effectively to natural disasters. The situation has deteriorated since the Taliban assumed power in 2021 following the tumultuous US withdrawal, which prompted many international aid organizations to withdraw their support.
Moreover, the freezing of approximately $7 billion in foreign reserves and the suspension of international funding by Washington and its allies have severely crippled an already aid-dependent economy. Last week, the World Bank issued a grim warning, stating that two-thirds of Afghan families were facing significant challenges in sustaining their livelihoods.
This dire economic backdrop makes it all the more challenging for Afghan citizens to recover from earthquakes, which are unfortunately a regular occurrence in a region known for its seismic activity.
Recalling a deadly earthquake in March, northeastern Afghanistan witnessed residents fleeing their homes as entire buildings crumbled, leading to devastating landslides. The tremors from this event were also felt in major Pakistani cities and even reached as far as the Indian capital, New Delhi.
In June of the previous year, a 5.9 magnitude earthquake struck the eastern Paktika and Khost provinces, bordering Pakistan, claiming over a thousand lives. Aid organizations faced immense challenges in reaching victims and survivors due to poor infrastructure and the simultaneous heavy monsoon rains and winds.
Additionally, in January 2022, a 5.6 magnitude earthquake struck Badghis, a western province near Herat, resulting in more than 20 casualties and reducing hundreds of brick homes to rubble.
As the people of Afghanistan grapple with these recurring natural disasters, their resilience is tested, and their need for humanitarian aid and international support becomes increasingly evident. The international community’s assistance is crucial in helping this nation rebuild, not only from the aftermath of earthquakes but also from the profound challenges it faces, including poverty, conflict, and a hunger crisis.
By: M Z Hossain, Editor Sky Buzz Feed
