Earthquake in Afghanistan: Earthquake hits Afghanistan, people came out of their homes after strong tremors:

Strong earthquake tremors have been felt in Afghanistan. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Center (EMSC) said that an earthquake of 6.4 magnitude hit Afghanistan on Wednesday. EMSC said that the epicenter of the earthquake was at a depth of 121 kilometers (75 miles). People came out of their homes after the strong tremors. However, there is no information about loss of life so far. On October 7, 2023, a powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck western Afghanistan, devastating Herat province and surrounding areas. The epicenter was located approximately 40 kilometers northwest of Herat city. The quake flattened entire villages, particularly in the Zenda Jan district, where over 90% of the casualties were women and children, as they were at home during the tremor .

In the immediate aftermath, thousands of residents fled their homes, seeking safety in open areas or makeshift shelters. The Taliban government initially reported over 2,000 deaths, though later estimates varied, with the UN citing approximately 1,500 fatalities . Rescue operations were hampered by damaged infrastructure and aftershocks, leaving many survivors without adequate shelter or medical care

A year later, survivors continue to face significant challenges. Many remain in temporary shelters, and the reconstruction efforts have been slow. The Taliban's limited resources and international aid restrictions have compounded the difficulties, leaving communities vulnerable as they approach another harsh winter .

The 2023 Herat earthquake stands as one of Afghanistan's deadliest natural disasters in recent history, highlighting the urgent need for sustained humanitarian assistance and effective disaster preparedness.