Reports from officials indicate that an earthquake in western Afghanistan has resulted in the loss of 15 lives and 78 injuries.
The US Geological Survey reports that the 6.3 magnitude earthquake occurred approximately 40km from the city of Herat, close to the border with Iran, at around 11:00 local time (06:30 GMT).
A number of buildings have been damaged, resulting in individuals being trapped under rubble. Following the initial earthquake, at least three powerful tremors have been observed. One Herat resident, Bashir Ahmad, stated that while in his office, the building began shaking with wall plasters falling down and walls receiving cracks. “I am not able to contact my family, network connections are disconnected. I am too worried and scared, it was horrifying,” he added.
According to a health official, over 70 injured individuals are currently receiving medical treatment at the primary hospital in the city. Student Idrees Arsala, who was the last to safely evacuate their classroom after the earthquakes began, expressed that the situation was extremely terrible.
Herat, located 120km east of the border with Iran, is deemed the cultural capital of Afghanistan and holds an estimated population of 1.9 million people based on 2019 World Bank data.
The country is frequently struck by earthquakes, especially in the Hindu Kush mountain range, given its proximity to the convergence of the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates. In June of last year, a 5.9 magnitude quake hit the province of Paktika, resulting in the loss of over 1,000 lives and leaving tens of thousands homeless.