New 5.1 magnitude quake strikes Herat Province

 

The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the recent earthquake’s epicentre was near the village of Qarah Bagh in the centre of Gulran district, Herat province.

 

Hours earlier, another earthquake with a magnitude of 4.9 also occurred in Herat.

 

The first earthquake shook western Afghanistan before lunchtime on Monday.

 

According to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Center information, this earthquake occurred 50 kilometres northwest of Herat.

 

Reports indicate that a powerful earthquake in western Afghanistan on Saturday resulted in over 2,000 casualties and more than 10,000 injuries.

 

Additionally, this earthquake and subsequent aftershocks over the past two days caused extensive damage, including the destruction of 13 villages and the collapse of numerous residential homes in Herat province.

 

In Herat province, many earthquake victims are deeply worried about their future and families. One victim expressed, “We have lost our homes, and the lives we worked hard to build are now in ruins. With winter approaching in a month, the situation will become even tougher, especially for orphaned children.”

 

An anonymous relief worker in Herat province highlighted the dire situation for earthquake survivors, especially women and children in the Zindajan district. Many women are suffering mentally and physically, with some losing their babies due to shock and inadequate medical care, all compounded by the loss of loved ones, home destruction, and

earthquake fear.