In a devastating turn of events, Afghanistan has once again been rattled by a powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquake, this time striking the province of Herat on Wednesday morning.
The quake, which is the latest in a series of seismic events to afflict the region, was officially confirmed by the World Health Organization (WHO) country office in Afghanistan through its social media handle.
The quake, originating in Herat, has left residents and communities in a state of shock and distress as they grapple with the aftermath of yet another natural disaster. The World Health Organization, recognizing the gravity of the situation, swiftly responded by mobilizing medical experts to the affected area to provide crucial medical assistance to the injured.
In a social media announcement, the WHO posted: “#Afghanistan woke up to another 6.3 magnitude earthquake today, shaking parts of the western region previously affected by the #HeratEarthquake. Teams are on the ground ensuring the injured get the medical help they need and saving lives.”
#Afghanistan woke up to another 6.3 magnitude earthquake today, shaking parts of the western region previously affected by the #HeratEarthquake.@WHO Teams are on the ground ensuring the injured get the medical help they need and saving lives. pic.twitter.com/15R6dNA0XX
— WHO Afghanistan (@WHOAfghanistan) October 11, 2023
The earthquake has struck an area that had already been grappling with the aftermath of a prior seismic event. Just days ago, a 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck the region over the weekend, causing extensive damage and destroying at least 13 villages in Herat province’s Zindah Jan district.
Expressing his condolences to those who have lost loved ones in the Herat earthquakes, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus pledged the organization’s continued support for the people of Afghanistan in their time of need. He stated, “My heart goes out to the people in #Afghanistan who have lost loved ones and have been affected by the multiple earthquakes in Herat. @WHOAfghanistan continues to support the Afghan people with essential health care.”
The situation in Herat remains precarious as authorities and relief organizations work tirelessly to provide aid, medical assistance, and support to the affected population. The successive earthquakes have intensified the urgency of humanitarian efforts in the region, highlighting the need for coordinated and sustained relief to mitigate the suffering of the Afghan people.
As the affected communities grapple with the aftermath of these powerful earthquakes, international aid and support will play a vital role in helping them recover and rebuild their lives in the face of this devastating natural disaster.
