According to a senior Taliban leader, the estimated death toll from the recent powerful earthquakes in western Afghanistan stands at 2,000. This makes it one of the deadliest earthquakes to strike the country in the past two decades.
The Taliban leader also expressed concern that the number of casualties may increase further.
Afghanistan Earthquake Death Toll Spikes to Over 2,000
In a statement to Al Jazeera, Suhail Shaheen, the Taliban spokesperson stationed in Qatar, reported that numerous individuals were unaccounted for following a powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquake in Herat province.
Shaheen revealed that rescue operations were currently underway to extricate those trapped under debris, emphasizing the urgent need to save lives in the aftermath of this natural disaster.
In a statement, Shaheen emphasized the pressing requirement for tents, medical supplies, and food items in the regions affected by the calamity. He made a heartfelt plea to local businessmen and NGOs, urging them to step up and provide assistance to those in desperate need.
According to Abdul Wahid Rayan, the spokesperson at the Ministry of Information and Culture, over 2,000 individuals have been reported as casualties in the earthquake and subsequent powerful aftershocks.
In a distressing plea for assistance, an individual reported that approximately six villages have been decimated, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. Tragically, the aftermath of this devastation has resulted in numerous civilians being trapped beneath the rubble. The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated, as immediate aid is desperately needed to address this dire circumstance.
According to the country's national disaster authority, approximately 100 individuals have been reported dead as a result of the earthquake.
The United Nations has released a preliminary figure indicating a total of 320 deaths. In a recent development, it has been reported that the initially reported figure of casualties is currently under verification. The organization in question has stated that they are in the process of confirming the exact number.
On the other hand, the Red Crescent has come forward with their own estimation, claiming that approximately 500 individuals have tragically lost their lives. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), a magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck approximately 40km (24 miles) northwest of Herat city at around 11am on Saturday (06:30 GMT). In the neighbouring Badghis and Farah provinces, strong aftershocks were reported to have been felt.
In a statement from Herat city, resident Abdul Shakor Samadi reported that a powerful earthquake struck the area, followed by a series of five intense aftershocks around noon.
According to the USGS, a series of seismic events occurred following the initial earthquake. These included three notable aftershocks measuring magnitudes 6.3, 5.9, and 5.5, along with additional, less intense tremors. Mohammad Abdullah Jan, spokesperson for Afghanistan's disaster management authority, said homes in four villages located in the Zendeh Jan district of Herat province have been damaged by the earthquake and subsequent aftershocks.
In the Farah and Badghis provinces, reports have emerged regarding extensive damage to houses. The World Health Organization unit in Afghanistan has taken swift action by deploying a total of 12 ambulances to the area of Zendeh Jan. The primary objective of this deployment is to efficiently transport individuals who have sustained injuries to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention.
WHO Shows Support for Afghanistan Amidst Tragic Incident
The United Nations agency has reported ongoing updates on the increasing number of deaths and casualties resulting from the earthquake. The agency has also mentioned that teams are currently present in hospitals, providing aid in the form of medical treatment for the wounded and evaluating any additional requirements that may arise.
In a show of support, ambulances backed by the World Health Organization (WHO) are currently in the process of transporting individuals impacted by the situation. Notably, the majority of those being transported are women and children.
Abdul Ghani Baradar, the deputy prime minister for economic affairs appointed by the Taliban, expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and those who were injured in the earthquake.
In June 2022, a devastating earthquake rocked the rugged and mountainous terrain of eastern Afghanistan, resulting in the destruction of numerous stone and mud-brick residences. In a tragic event, Afghanistan experienced its deadliest earthquake in the past twenty years, resulting in a devastating loss of life.
With a reported minimum death toll of 1,000 individuals, and approximately 1,500 people sustaining injuries, the earthquake has left a profound impact on the nation, Times of Israel.
