Devastating Earthquake Strikes Afghanistan, Causing Mass Casualties Among Residents

On October 7, 2023, a devastating earthquake hit Afghanistan, causing widespread destruction and claiming over 1,500 lives, according to reports from the United Nations. The epicentre of the earthquake was near Jalalabad in the Nangarhar province, on the border with Pakistan, and had a magnitude of 6.0, as reported by the US Geological Survey (USGS).

The earthquake series that occurred on October 7 is part of an ongoing earthquake series, with several aftershocks following the initial earthquake. Entire villages have been destroyed, making many mountainous regions inaccessible.

The Taliban spokesman, Sabihullah Mujahid, announced that the earthquake has resulted in over 800 deaths and more than 2,800 injuries. The Taliban also reported that many houses, due to decades of conflict and poor construction, are not very stable, which may have contributed to the high death toll.

Caritas has reported destruction in hard-to-reach areas, and so far, the local population has provided the first aid. Save the Children, which was already active in the affected regions before the earthquake, will send more health teams to the most affected areas of the Kunar region. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is concerned about the additional strain this disaster will place on the entire humanitarian response in Afghanistan.

Iran's government has offered swift support to the affected areas in Afghanistan, ready to assist in relief and rescue efforts. Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Ismail Baghai made the statement. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed condolences to the victims and their families.

Many people are still trapped under rubble following the earthquake. A local resident described their desperate situation to the Afghan news channel Tolonews, stating, "Our homes are destroyed, and we need all the help people can offer."

Earthquakes in the region where the Arabian, Indian, and Eurasian plates converge are common. Afghanistan, due to decades of wars and conflicts, has few resources to cope with the aftermath of such disasters.

In 2022, over 1,000 people died in Afghanistan when an earthquake struck, according to Taliban reports. This tragedy underscores the vulnerability of the region to such natural disasters and the urgent need for international aid and support.

As the situation continues to unfold, it is crucial that the international community comes together to provide aid and support to the affected regions in Afghanistan. The people of Afghanistan need our help now more than ever.

Devastating Earthquake Strikes Afghanistan, Causing Mass Casualties Among Residents