A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.3 has struck western Afghanistan, resulting in at least 15 fatalities and leaving 78 people injured, according to officials. The seismic event occurred approximately 40km from the western city of Herat, near the border with Iran, around 11:00 local time (06:30 GMT), as reported by the US Geological Survey.
The earthquake led to significant damage, causing buildings to collapse and trapping numerous individuals under rubble. Herat residents described a terrifying experience as the initial quake was followed by at least three powerful tremors.
More than 70 injured individuals have been admitted to the main hospital in Herat, with health officials working tirelessly to provide medical assistance. A student, Idrees Arsala, who experienced the earthquake firsthand, described the situation as “very horrible” and expressed the fear and chaos that ensued during the evacuation.
