Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – Western Herat province faced another powerful earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale on Wednesday. The quake struck just 28 kilometers outside Herat city and reached a depth of 10 kilometers, the US Geological Survey reported.
This second quake followed a previous disaster that claimed the lives of over 2,000 people and left entire villages in ruins. The situation in Herat remains dire, with multiple strong aftershocks compounding the devastation.
During his General Audience on Wednesday, Pope Francis extended his heartfelt support and solidarity to the people of Afghanistan who are enduring the tragic consequences of these relentless natural disasters. His Holiness expressed deep concern for the Afghan population, emphasizing the heavy toll exacted by these earthquakes, with a significant number of women and children among the casualties.
Notably, the epicenter of the Saturday earthquake was situated approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) northwest of Herat’s provincial capital. Taliban officials have reported the loss of over 2,000 lives in Herat due to the earlier quakes. While the latest tremor’s impact remains unclear, the region’s villages lie in ruins, with little left besides rubble and solemn funeral processions.
In the village of Naib Rafi, once home to approximately 2,500 residents, few survivors remain. Volunteers and rescue workers have been tirelessly digging mass graves for the victims. In the district of Zinda Jan, a bulldozer labors to make room for a somber procession of graves.
The Taliban have stated that nearly 2,000 houses across 20 villages have been destroyed, and the area severely affected by these quakes lacks adequate medical facilities. The international community’s support and assistance are urgently needed to aid the people of Herat during this grave humanitarian crisis.
