At Least 120 Killed, 1,000 Injured in Afghanistan Earthquake

A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.3 has struck western Afghanistan near the Iranian border, leading to widespread devastation.

The disaster, which occurred around 11:00 local time (06:30 GMT), was centered approximately 40km from the city of Herat in the western region.

Initial reports indicate that hundreds of lives may have been lost, with over 1,000 individuals sustaining injuries. 

The quake caused severe structural damage, trapping people under debris. Additionally, multiple powerful aftershocks have added to the chaos and destruction.

Survivors have recounted their terrifying experiences as office buildings shook violently, ultimately collapsing. 

Mosa Ashari, the chief of the province's disaster management, stated, "We have recorded over 1,000 injured individuals, including women, children, and the elderly, and the death toll has reached approximately 120."

While early reports suggested a confirmed death toll of 15, it was anticipated that this number would rise as emergency responders gained a clearer picture of the extensive devastation. 

Unverified reports indicate that the current death toll may exceed 300.

Video footage reportedly from Herat Central Hospital illustrates the overwhelming demand for emergency treatment, with numerous casualties receiving care outdoors, connected to portable intravenous drips.

In Herat's Injil district, scenes of destruction abound, with the rubble of collapsed buildings obstructing roads and impeding rescue operations.

Herat, often regarded as Afghanistan's cultural capital, is situated 120km (75 miles) east of the Iranian border and is home to an estimated 1.9 million people, according to 2019 World Bank data.

Afghanistan, located near the convergence of the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates, frequently experiences earthquakes, particularly in the Hindu Kush mountain range.

In June of the previous year, the province of Paktika suffered a 5.9 magnitude earthquake that claimed more than 1,000 lives and left tens of thousands homeless.