The Afghan Taliban government announced that more than 2,000 people have died and over 9,000 have been injured in a magnitude 6.4 earthquake that struck Herat province (west) on Saturday night into Sunday, followed by 8 aftershocks. The U.S. Geological Survey identified the epicenter of the most severe earthquake in years in the mountainous country, located 35 kilometers northwest of Herat city. Earthquakes and tremors frequently occur in Afghanistan, particularly in the Hindu Kush mountain range, which lies near the convergence of the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates.
A health official in Herat, identified as Dr. Danish, told Reuters that more than 200 bodies have arrived at various hospitals in the region. He added, "Most of them are women and children, in addition to 510 injured. Those numbers may change." He also reported that the Red Crescent mentioned that the bodies "were transported to several locations... military bases and hospitals... so we cannot confirm or deny the numbers."
Naseema, a resident of Herat, said yesterday that the earthquakes caused panic in the city. She wrote in a text message to Reuters, "People have left their homes, and we are all in the streets," adding that the city is experiencing continuous aftershocks.
