In yet another heart-wrenching turn of events, western Afghanistan experienced a second powerful earthquake, compounding the destruction caused by an earlier cataclysmic tremor.
This relentless natural disaster has left a trail of devastation, wreaking havoc on communities and severely testing the nation’s resilience.
The most recent earthquake, measuring a magnitude of 6.3, struck the region a mere 28 kilometers (17 miles) outside Herat, the provincial capital, and was relatively shallow, reaching depths of about 10 kilometers (6 miles). This seismic event triggered a landslide that significantly impacted the Herat-Torghondi highway, compounding transportation challenges in the region.
As the Afghan people were still grappling with the consequences of the initial earthquake, they were forced to confront the cruel reality of yet another destructive natural calamity. As of now, the reported human cost of this latest earthquake includes the tragic loss of at least one life, with around 120 individuals sustaining injuries, according to Janan Sayiq, a spokesperson for the Afghan Taliban government’s national disaster authority.
International humanitarian organizations, such as Doctors Without Borders (also known as Médecins Sans Frontières or MSF), have been working tirelessly to provide much-needed relief to the affected population. Herat Regional Hospital, which has been inundated with the wounded, received 117 patients in the aftermath of this new quake. MSF promptly dispatched additional medical supplies to the hospital and established four additional medical tents on its premises to accommodate the surge in patients.
The humanitarian organization is actively involved in triaging emergency cases and providing care to stabilized patients admitted to these medical tents. As Afghanistan continues to grapple with these harrowing tremors, the international community has rallied together to provide aid and support to the beleaguered nation.
The unfortunate casualties are not limited to human lives alone, as this seismic duo has also resulted in the destruction of numerous homes and infrastructure. For instance, the village of Chahak, previously untouched by the tremors of preceding days, found itself flattened, with all 700 homes reduced to mounds of soil.
In Chahak, as in many other affected communities, residents had resorted to seeking shelter in tents, gripped by fear as the ground continued to shake. With their homes and livestock lost to the destructive force of the quakes, the affected individuals face uncertainty and anxiety, especially as the harsh Afghan winter draws near.
As survivors attempt to come to terms with the overwhelming loss of family members and the irreplaceable destruction of their homes, volunteers from within and beyond the region have been working tirelessly to help the beleaguered communities. The severity of the situation became alarmingly clear as it emerged that survivors are now outnumbered by these dedicated volunteers, who are working tirelessly to search the debris and dig mass graves, their efforts serving as a testament to the unwavering human spirit.
The humanitarian toll is staggering, with nearly 2,000 homes in 20 villages reduced to rubble, a heart-wrenching statistic that underscores the scale of the devastation. The region hit by the series of earthquakes has only one government-run hospital, adding to the immense challenge of providing healthcare to the injured.
The United Nations has been actively involved in providing aid and relief to the beleaguered population. As of Tuesday, Zinda Jan, one of the worst-affected areas, had suffered more than 1,300 casualties, with nearly 500 people still reported missing. The U.N.’s satellite imagery has indicated the extreme levels of destruction in the district of Injil.
The impact of these tragic events extends beyond the immediate physical consequences, with children bearing a particularly heavy emotional burden in the wake of these earthquakes. These young souls have endured profound psychological distress, witnessing the devastation of their communities and the loss of their loved ones.
Afghanistan is no stranger to earthquakes, owing to the presence of several fault lines and the movement of three nearby tectonic plates. These seismic events have left the Afghan people reeling, compounding the myriad challenges they already face.
In response to the earthquake’s devastation, numerous countries have extended a helping hand to the Afghan people. Iran dispatched 15 vehicles laden with aid and provided crucial support from its technical teams. Turkey sent medical teams, food, non-food items, and medicine to provide critical relief. The United Arab Emirates and Turkmenistan also provided assistance in the form of food, medicine, and clothing.
Kazakhstan contributed a technical team comprising 49 members, offering valuable support to those affected by the quakes. Saudi Arabia, recognizing the immense humanitarian need, provided financial assistance to the people of Herat, and China offered $200,000 in cash aid through the Afghan Foreign Affairs ministry.
However, while the international community has come forward to support Afghanistan during these trying times, challenges persist. Delivering humanitarian aid has been a challenge, as Pakistan, a neighboring country, offered assistance to its Afghan brethren. The humanitarian aid promised by Pakistan has been on hold since Monday, as the authorities await clearance from the Taliban, who have been grappling with a range of complex issues.
The earthquake’s destruction adds to the struggles of a nation already dealing with numerous pressing concerns. As Afghanistan continues to confront these challenges, the indomitable spirit of its people remains a beacon of hope, driving them to support one another and rebuild their lives in the face of adversity.
