A massive earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale struck western Afghanistan on Sunday, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming at least seven lives, according to local authorities.
Devastation in Herat Province
The powerful quake epicenter was located approximately 35 kilometers northwest of Herat city, Afghanistan's third-largest urban center. The tremors were felt across multiple provinces, sending panicked residents rushing into the streets.
Local officials confirmed that the earthquake destroyed more than 200 residential homes in rural areas of Herat province, where building standards are often inadequate to withstand such powerful seismic activity.
Rescue Operations Underway
Emergency response teams have been deployed to the affected regions to search for survivors trapped under collapsed structures. The death toll is feared to rise as rescue workers reach more remote villages that have been cut off due to damaged infrastructure.
"Our teams are working tirelessly to provide medical assistance and shelter to those affected by this tragedy," stated a local disaster management official who requested anonymity.
Region Prone to Seismic Activity
Afghanistan and surrounding regions sit atop multiple active fault lines, making them particularly vulnerable to earthquakes. The mountainous terrain often amplifies the damage, especially in rural areas where homes are built from mud bricks and lack structural reinforcements.
International aid organizations are monitoring the situation closely and preparing to provide assistance if requested by Afghan authorities. The earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the constant natural disaster threats facing the conflict-weary nation.
