October 9, 2023 || Tongsan Media Group ||
The Taliban government says the death toll from a powerful earthquake that struck western Afghanistan last weekend has risen to more than 2,000. After being retaken by the Taliban, the country, which has been mired in an economic crisis, is now facing the pressure of major natural disasters such as earthquakes.
On October 7, a 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck 40 kilometers west of Herat in Herat province, causing severe damage. Herat is the third largest city in Afghanistan. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mojahid said 2,053 people were killed and 1,240 injured in the earthquake. in part On October 8, he said that more than 1,300 houses and buildings were completely destroyed.
Rescue teams have started arriving in Herat, as well as food, drinking water Medicines and clothes have also been sent to earthquake-affected areas, Mojahid said. It is reported that the strong earthquake was followed by smaller earthquakes of moderate strength, so the residents were reluctant to return to their homes.
According to photos and videos circulating on social media, some buildings have been severely damaged by the earthquake. Especially Shatt Gus near Herat. Baha Dawzai Local sources said the worst situation was in the Zaw Yang and Kosh Ket areas. Afghanistan continues to suffer from deadly earthquakes. In March, northeastern Afghanistan, At least 13 people have died after an earthquake struck near the border with Pakistan.
In June last year, a 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck the eastern part of the country, killing more than 1,000 people in Patika and Khos areas on the border with Pakistan. And in 2022, In January, a 5.6-magnitude earthquake hit parts of Herat province bordering Turkmenistan, killing more than 20 people and flattening hundreds of mud-brick houses.
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