On October 11, a new earthquake with a magnitude of 6.3 struck western Afghanistan. This region had already been hit last Saturday by a first earthquake, causing the death of more than 2,000 people. As emergency services work to help thousands of homeless people, it is essential to stay informed on this dramatic news.
Wednesday’s earthquake occurred early in the morning, at a shallow depth, and its epicenter was about 29 kilometers north of the city of Herat. Local and national officials have given conflicting figures on the toll from the first earthquake, but it is clear that the consequences are devastating. Thousands of people are now homeless, their homes having been destroyed by the tremors.
Humanitarian organizations, such as the Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders, are mobilized to provide aid to victims. Trucks full of food, water and blankets reached isolated villages, where tents were pitched amid the ruins. However, the scale of the task is immense, especially as winter approaches. It is crucial to find large-scale shelter solutions to protect disaster victims from extreme weather conditions.
This double disaster – the earthquake followed by the humanitarian challenge – highlights the fragility of Afghanistan, already ravaged by decades of war and facing a prolonged drought. The Afghan authorities, who recently took power, will have to face this challenge by putting aside political tensions to focus on helping the affected populations.
It is important to remember that earthquakes are frequent in Afghanistan, and that this country has already experienced deadly earthquakes in the past. However, the current situation is aggravated by the conjunction of several factors, such as the humanitarian crisis and the withdrawal of foreign aid. It is crucial that the international community continues to support Afghanistan during this difficult time.
In conclusion, it is essential to stay informed about the latest news about the earthquake in Afghanistan and the efforts being made to help the victims. Solidarity and the mobilization of all are necessary to support the affected populations and contribute to their reconstruction.