The Herat province of Afghanistan faced a massive earthquake on Saturday 7th Oct, 2023 that killed almost 2,000 people. Afghanistan faced a quake of 6.4 magnitude which is the strongest earthquake the country faced in the last decade.

“Many people are missing and rescue operations are underway to save people who are trapped due to the Earthquake”, Suhail Shaheen a Taliban Spokesperson told Al-Jazeera.

The 6.3 magnitude Earthquake also hit approximately 24 miles northwest of the city of Herat destroying many other areas and buildings. “Many other provinces were hit by the massive 6.3 magnitude” USGS states.

US Geological Survey claims that “The earthquake was later followed by three aftershocks of 6.3, 5.9, and 5.5 magnitude”.

Notable quake, preliminary info: M 5.5 – 29 km NE of Zindah Jān, Afghanistan https://t.co/TpsQ5sOPtn

— USGS Earthquakes (@USGS_Quakes) October 7, 2023

The people of Afghanistan came out in fear of their homes, buildings, and offices to save themself from the quake. “We were terrified after the rumors of the Earthquake last night”, one of the residents Firooz told The Guardian.

World Health Organisation (WHO) in Afghanistan showed support to the people of Herat, Afghanistan through medical supplies to hospitals. They also said they are available for any additional support if needed.

.@WHO extends our thoughts to the people of Herat, @Afghanistan who have been affected by the earthquake today. We have sent medicines & medical supplies to the hospitals to support treatment of those wounded. Our warehouse is ready to deploy for additional medicines as needed. pic.twitter.com/2WkDBophEc

— WHO Afghanistan (@WHOAfghanistan) October 7, 2023

The Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Abdul Ghani Baradar offered condolences and support to the affected families. He also ordered the Disaster Management Commission to use maximum resources to assist the affected citizens and to provide essential aid to those in need.

1/3: Condolences from Deputy PM for Economic Affairs Regarding Earthquake-Affected Citizens in Herat and Badghis Provinces
Deputy PM for Economic Affairs, Honorable Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, extends his heartfelt sympathies for the unfortunate impact of the earthquake

— د ریاست الوزراء اقتصادي معاونیت (@FDPM_AFG) October 7, 2023

Earthquake History in Afghanistan

In the past many earthquake in Afghanistan killed thousands of people, especially in the Hindu Kush mountain ranges. The mountain ranges lie near the junction of the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates. The country experienced earthquakes in the 1998 earthquake with a magnitude of 6.9 and the 2002 earthquake with a magnitude of 5.9, causing damage to homes and infrastructure. These events serve as a reminder of the seismic risks faced by Afghanistan due to its geographical location.

The city of Herat is the largest city in Afghanistan on the border with Iran with a population of approximately 3 million people.

Our deepest condolences to the affected families in Afghanistan.

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