Over 800 Dead, Thousands Injured as Deadly Earthquake Rocks Afghanistan
Kabul: A devastating earthquake struck western Afghanistan on Friday night, killing more than 800 people and injuring over 2,500, officials said. The quake, followed by powerful aftershocks, reduced homes to rubble and left entire villages in ruins.
The National Disaster Management Authority reported that Herat province was among the worst affected, where hundreds of mud-brick houses collapsed. Rescue teams are racing against time to locate survivors trapped under debris. Authorities fear the death toll could rise as remote areas remain inaccessible.
Hospitals in Herat and nearby districts are overwhelmed by the influx of casualties, with medical staff struggling due to shortages of essential supplies. Emergency shelters have been set up for families who lost their homes, while humanitarian groups have dispatched aid, including food, blankets, and medical assistance.
Survivors described the horror of the quake. “The ground shook violently, and walls started to fall. We barely escaped with our lives,” said a resident of Herat city.
The Taliban administration has appealed for urgent international assistance, calling the disaster “catastrophic.” Several global leaders and aid agencies have expressed condolences and pledged support to help Afghanistan cope with the crisis.
