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KABUL – At least 15 people have been killed, with 40 more injured, following two powerful earthquakes measuring 6.3 in magnitude that struck the western regions of Afghanistan. The affected areas include Herat, Badghis, Farah provinces, and neighboring regions.
The seismic activity, which occurred on Saturday, prompted immediate evacuations as crowds of residents and shopkeepers hastily exited buildings in the city of Herat at approximately 11:00 AM local time (06:30 GMT). The epicenter of the quake was located approximately 25 miles northwest of Herat city and was followed by an aftershock registering a magnitude of 5.5, as reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
Local witnesses described scenes of panic and destruction. Houses, offices, and shops stood empty as fear of further tremors gripped the area. The USGS issued a warning of the potential for hundreds of fatalities and widespread damage, citing the historical impact of seismic events at this alert level, which typically require a regional or national response.
The initial casualty toll, though deemed “preliminary” by the National Disaster Management Authority spokesman Mullah Jan Sayeq, is expected to rise. Landslides have been reported in the rural and mountainous areas, exacerbating concerns. Mohammad Taleb Shahid, the public health director of Herat province, also cautioned that the current figures do not represent the final count, as individuals may remain trapped beneath rubble.
Herat, known as the cultural capital of Afghanistan, serves as the official capital of Herat province, home to an estimated population of 1.9 million. The earthquake triggered five significant aftershocks, measuring magnitudes of 5.5, 4.7, 6.3, 5.9, and 4.6, according to the USGS. Additionally, the quake’s impact extended to the neighboring provinces of Farah and Badghis, as reported by local media outlets.
