ISLAMABAD – A devastating series of earthquakes struck northwestern Afghanistan on Saturday, resulting in over 1,000 casualties, according to officials.
Mullah Janan Saiq, spokesperson for the Afghanistan Disaster Management Authority, expressed concerns that the death toll could continue to rise, given the extensive damage caused in northwestern Herat and Badghis provinces.
Saiq conveyed, “Three entire villages in Herat province have been completely decimated, leaving hundreds of individuals still trapped beneath the rubble,” during a phone interview with Anadolu.
While the exact number of casualties remains challenging to determine, local officials have currently reported a figure exceeding 1,000.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) recorded significant seismic activity, with earthquakes registering magnitudes of 5.5, 5.9, and 6.2 in various Afghan provinces. The epicenter was identified as being 40 kilometers (24.8 miles) northwest of Herat city.
The Afghanistan office of the World Health Organization (WHO) has mobilized its teams to assist in hospitals, providing care to the injured and evaluating additional requirements. (Anadolu)
