By Staff
Afghanistan, a nation already grappling with a humanitarian and economic crisis, has been struck by a sequence of powerful earthquakes resulting in the loss of over 2,000 lives and the displacement of numerous individuals. The recent earthquake measuring at a magnitude of 6.3 occurred near the city of Herat on Monday. This caused destruction and casualties in the province that has been at the center of these tremors.
The initial earthquake, measuring at a magnitude of 6.3 took place Saturday, October 7th 2023, 23 miles from Herat city. It was followed by aftershocks. This seismic event resulted in the damage to or destruction of over 1300 houses according to reports from the Taliban, who have governed Afghanistan since 2021. Around 2,053 people lost their lives while another 1,240 suffered injuries due to this earthquake. The United Nations office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) stated that 4,200 people (equivalent to around 600 families) were affected by this disaster.
The second earthquake occurred on Wednesday, October 11th, 2023 with a magnitude of 6.4. Its epicenter was located fifty miles north of Herat city. This seismic activity triggered landslides caused buildings in the district to collapse. As reported by the Taliban authorities themselves. This particular quake claimed the lives of around one hundred twenty individuals while injuring another three hundred. The United Nations reported that around 2500 individuals (equated to 350 families) were impacted by the disaster.
Following the devastating earthquakes, Afghanistan, already facing political turmoil due to Taliban rule since 2021, is further challenged. Restrictions imposed on women’s rights along with threats from other armed groups have added to the already dire situation. The global community, while freezing $7 billion of Afghanistan’s reserves and cutting aid, has witnessed the nation’s worsening state. According to the World Bank, about two-thirds of families are struggling to sustain their livelihoods amidst these compounded crises.
In response to the escalating needs of the UN has called for $606 million in funding to support the Afghan population through 2023. Yet, only a fraction of this has been pledged. Challenges like unstable security, inaccessible areas due to roadblocks, and limited resources hinder assistance from humanitarian organizations. The people of Afghanistan not only need immediate relief in terms of food, water, and shelter but also yearn for a long-term solution ensuring peace, stability, and freedom.
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