A 6.3-magnitude earthquake shook western Afghanistan, causing immense tragedy. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the epicenter of the earthquake was located 40 kilometers northwest of the city of Herat, in the province of the same name. Residents of Herat and surrounding areas experienced moments of terror when the quake hit at 11:00 (0630 GMT), followed by seven aftershocks with magnitudes between 4.6 and 6.3.
Herat provincial disaster management director Mosa Ashari reported that more than 1,000 people, including women, children, and the elderly, were injured, and at least 120 people lost their lives. Buildings suffered significant damage; some collapsed, and communication connections were disrupted, plunging the population into deep anxiety.
Frightened survivors sought refuge on the wide streets, away from tall buildings, as the aftershocks continued. Authorities warned that the number of victims could rise sharply, and the USGS indicated that the disaster could be extensive, suggesting that there would be hundreds of fatalities.
Herat, the capital of the province of the same name, is located 120 kilometers east of the border with Iran and is home to about 1.9 million people. The tragedy has left the local community in shock and mourning as rescue and relief efforts begin to address this devastating crisis.