A second strong earthquake shook western Afghanistan on Wednesday morning. An earlier quake on Saturday took more than 2,000 lives and flattened whole villages in Herat province. That tremblor was one of the most destructive quakes in the country’s recent history.
Saturday’s 6.3-magnitude quake also destroyed six schools and nearly 2,000 houses in 20 villages.
About 2,500 residents lived in the village of Naib Rafi. Few survived besides men who were working outside when it struck.
Several strong aftershocks continued to unsettle locals. One on Monday caused residents of Herat to rush out of their homes again.
The United Nations says the Zinda Jan district was the worst-affected area. The area saw around 1,300 deaths and 1,688 injuries. In addition, 485 people are missing.
On Wednesday, another 6.3-magnitude earthquake hit about 17 miles outside Herat city, the province capital. It triggered a landslide that blocked the main Herat-Torghondi highway.
The quake flattened all 700 homes in Chahak village. Some Chahak villagers had never experienced an earthquake before. They wondered when the shaking would stop.
No deaths have been reported so far in Chahak. People had already taken shelter in tents, fearing tremors. Many feel unsafe. They fear that the “ground will open and swallow us at any moment.”
Meanwhile, Afghan rescuers and villagers continue digging in Herat province. They still seek survivors. But hope is dwindling.
Aid groups warn that the approaching winter will make meeting basic needs for shelter, food, and medicine difficult for Afghans.
It’s not clear how much foreign aid is reaching Herat. Global response is slow. Much of the world is wary of dealing with the country’s Taliban-led government. Plus, many countries are focused on the deadly escalation between Israel and terrorist Hamas militants.
Top UN officials in Afghanistan traveled to Zinda Jan to assess the damage. Some foreign governments say they will work with aid agencies to help with rescue and recovery.
Neighboring Pakistan pledged to send blankets, tents, and medicines. China reportedly offered cash and other forms of emergency assistance.
A Taliban official, Abdul Ghani Baradar, appealed to global aid agencies to provide all possible assistance. He emphasized the urgent need for support following the disaster.
Afghans are still struggling with the effects of other recent disasters, including large earthquakes in June 2022 and March 2023.
An International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC) statement says, “Afghanistan needs you—now, more than ever.”
Pray for Afghans who have lost homes and loved ones. Ask God to give them His perfect peace and comfort.
