The demise count from the devastating tremors that hit Afghanistan late Saturday has climbed to 2,053, with an additional 9,240 individuals noted as hurt, according to a government representative.
Afghanistan Earthquake Over 2000 Lives Lost
The initially noted demise count of 120 is anticipated to grow as ongoing rescue operations persist in the impacted areas.
Deputy government representative Bilal Karimi conveyed profound apprehension over the “practically very high” casualties stemming from the tremors.
The seismic incidents, initially registered at a magnitude of 6.3, released eight potent aftershocks, leading to widespread devastation, especially in the region situated 30 kilometers northwest of Herat.
Numerous reports suggest that 1,328 residences have been flattened, and these numbers are projected to escalate as evaluations proceed.
In Herat province, over 600 homes spanning at least 12 settlements have been cited as ruined or partially impaired, impacting 4,200 individuals, in line with the World Health Organization (WHO).
Sarboland hamlet in the Zinda Jan district, near the quake’s epicenter, endured the worst of the catastrophe, with numerous residences reduced to rubble.
Inhabitants rushed to hunt for survivors amidst the debris, while many waited outdoors, their residences demolished by the tremors.
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One governmental representative affirmed that 1,329 residences were annihilated across the impacted areas. The WHO underscored that the count of casualties is anticipated to increase further as search and rescue operations persist.
Herat metropolis underwent a notable evacuation as inhabitants fled their residences. Educational institutions, medical facilities, and workplaces were vacated as the tremors were felt. Fortunately, there have been fewer accounts of casualties in the metropolis.
The seismic tremors have hit Afghanistan during a difficult period, as the nation wrestles with a severe humanitarian emergency worsened by the cessation of international assistance subsequent to the resurgence of the Taliban to dominance in 2021.