Northwestern Afghanistan faced the tremors of a 6.3 magnitude earthquake on Wednesday, as the German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ) reported. Today’s quake follows a series that had similarly affected Afghanistan over the past weekend.
According to Reuters, it originated 10 kilometres deep. The United States Geological Survey pinpointed the epicentre about 29 kilometres north of Herat province. Janan Sayeeq, the disaster management spokesman, informed Reuters that details on casualties were still emerging.
Challenges in Rescue and Reporting
Since the Saturday quake, rescue teams, backed by volunteers, have been tirelessly searching for survivors. This earlier earthquake resulted in the decimation of whole villages, impacting an estimated 12,000 residents, as per the United Nations (UN). However, the exact casualty figures from these quakes remain fluid due to varying reports. The disaster ministry documented 2,053 fatalities. Mullah Janan Sayeq, a spokesperson for the disaster management ministry, stated the difficulties in providing accurate casualty numbers. Wednesday’s tremors were especially concerning since they were felt close to Herat City, a densely populated area housing over half a million inhabitants.
Devastation and Displacement
The UN confirmed that the prior quakes razed at least 11 villages in the Zenda Jan district of Herat province. Mohammad Naeem, a 40-year-old local, tragically recounted to AFP the loss of 12 family members, including his mother. Still in shock and fearing aftershocks, many residents are taking refuge in tents, avoiding their homes. This large-scale displacement presents a daunting challenge for the Taliban authorities, who took control in August 2021, especially given their strained ties with global aid groups.
Historical Context and Construction Woes
This weekend’s calamity stands out as Afghanistan’s most devastating earthquake in over two and a half decades. The predominant architectural style in rural Afghanistan is a significant factor exacerbating the destruction. Homes, often housing extended families, are predominantly constructed from mud, supported by wooden poles, lacking reinforced concrete or steel. Hence, major earthquakes can lead to catastrophic losses.
The Larger Picture
Afghanistan is grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis, further strained by the significant reduction of foreign aid. Additionally, Herat province, which shares its border with Iran and shelters around 1.9 million inhabitants, has been battling a prolonged drought, adding to its woes.
