2,000 Dead in Devastating Natural Disaster That Hits Country
Powerful Earthquakes Claim Thousands of Lives in Afghanistan
A representative of the Taliban government in Afghanistan has reported that powerful earthquakes have resulted in the deaths of at least 2,000 people in the western region of the country. This devastating event marks one of the deadliest earthquakes to hit Afghanistan in the past two decades.
While the figures provided have not been independently verified, if accurate, the death toll would surpass that of a previous earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan in June 2022. The earthquake in June claimed the lives of at least 1,000 people and caused significant destruction in a rugged, mountainous area.
The recent earthquake, with a magnitude of 6.3, struck a densely populated area near Herat, Afghanistan’s fourth largest city. The impact was followed by strong aftershocks, further exacerbating the damage.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the epicenter of the quake was approximately 40 kilometers northwest of Herat city. Subsequently, three very strong aftershocks measuring magnitudes of 6.3, 5.9, and 5.5 occurred, along with several smaller shocks.
In the aftermath of the earthquake, courageous individuals in Herat have been using their bare hands to dig out the deceased and injured from the rubble. The scenes are heart-wrenching, with survivors and victims trapped beneath collapsed buildings, covered in dust.
One video circulating online captures the incredible moment when rescuers free a baby girl from the debris of a collapsed building. The baby, buried up to her neck, is carefully cradled by a rescuer as she is pulled from the ground. The rescuers believe the woman assisting is the baby’s mother, but her fate remains uncertain.
Abdul Wahid Rayan, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Information and Culture, has stated that the death toll is higher than initially reported. Entire villages have been destroyed, and hundreds of civilians are buried under the debris. Urgent assistance is desperately needed.
Response Efforts and Aid
Efforts to rescue and support those affected by the earthquake are underway. Multiple teams, including military personnel and nonprofit organizations like the Red Crescent, have been mobilized to assist in the rescue operations.
The United Nations migration agency has dispatched ambulances with medical professionals and counselors to the regional hospital. Additionally, mobile health teams are en route to the heavily impacted Zenda Jan district.
Doctors Without Borders has established five medical tents at Herat Regional Hospital, providing care for up to 80 patients. Over 300 patients have already received treatment. UNICEF has also sent essential supplies, including winter clothing, blankets, and tarpaulins, as temperatures drop.
The Afghan Red Crescent Society has deployed seven teams for rescue efforts, with more teams arriving from neighboring provinces. They have set up a temporary camp to accommodate displaced individuals.
Aid groups on the ground have described the destruction near Herat as even worse than anticipated, with entire villages flattened.
Photographer Omid Haqjoo, who visited affected villages, witnessed bodies trapped under collapsed houses and locals awaiting assistance without proper tools. However, some aid organizations, such as the World Food Program, have already arrived with essential items.
As the situation unfolds, neighboring countries like Pakistan are in contact with Afghan authorities to assess urgent needs. China and Japan have also expressed their willingness to provide assistance.
Amidst this tragedy, Afghan cricket star Rashid Khan has pledged to donate all his Cricket World Cup fees to support the earthquake survivors in Herat. He plans to launch a fundraising campaign to rally support from those who can contribute.
Despite the challenges posed by unstable telephone connections in Herat, efforts are underway to gather more information from the affected areas.
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
The post 2,000 People Reported Dead After Sudden and Powerful Natural Disaster Sweeps Country appeared first on The Western Journal.
What long-term measures can be taken to prevent or minimize the impact of future earthquakes in Afghanistan, particularly in terms of infrastructure development and building resilience
Ing medical aid and services to the injured. They are also working to ensure that clean water and sanitation facilities are available to prevent the spread of diseases in the affected areas.
The Afghan government has declared a state of emergency in the affected regions and has requested international assistance. The United Nations and other countries have pledged their support and have started providing financial and logistical aid.
However, the challenging terrain and lack of infrastructure in the affected areas are hindering the rescue and relief efforts. The mountainous terrain and remote villages make it difficult for rescue teams to reach the affected areas quickly. Moreover, damaged roads and communication networks are posing additional challenges.
The earthquake has also caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and homes. The displaced population is in dire need of shelter, food, and clean water. The winter season further exacerbates the difficulties faced by the affected people.
The international community must step up its efforts to provide immediate and long-term aid to the people of Afghanistan. Financial support, medical supplies, temporary shelters, and rebuilding efforts are crucial at this time. Additionally, experts in disaster management and trauma counseling should be deployed to support the affected communities.
In the long term, it is essential to invest in infrastructure development and earthquake-resistant buildings in earthquake-prone regions. This will help minimize the impact of future earthquakes and save lives.
The recent earthquake in Afghanistan highlights the vulnerability of the country to natural disasters. The people of Afghanistan have already been facing numerous challenges, including political instability and conflict. The international community must come together to support the Afghan people and help them overcome these challenges.
In conclusion, the powerful earthquakes in Afghanistan have devastated the western region of the country, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives. Immediate rescue and relief efforts are underway, but the challenging terrain and lack of infrastructure pose significant challenges. The international community must provide immediate and long-term support to help rebuild the affected areas and mitigate the impact of future disasters.
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