Recently, a big earthquake hit western Afghanistan. Sadly, over 2,000 people died, and many others were injured or lost their homes. This article breaks down what happened and why it’s a big deal.

What Happened?

A 6.3 magnitude earthquake happened about 25 miles (40 km) from Herat city. This is the third biggest earthquake in Afghanistan’s history. A lot of people died, many got hurt, and buildings got destroyed.

The Taliban, who are in charge of Afghanistan, say that about 2,000 people died. But, the number might change as they find more people. After the big earthquake, smaller ones (called aftershocks) kept happening, causing more problems.

The Aftermath

At first, the UN thought maybe 100 people died and 500 got hurt. But, the actual numbers seem to be a lot more. About 500 houses were destroyed, and 135 buildings were badly damaged.

There’s a village called Mahal Wadakah, and it got hit the hardest. At least 20 people died there. Some other areas like Dasht Hows, Bahadorzai, Zoryan, and Koshkak were also badly affected. Because of the destruction, about 2,100 people had to leave their homes and go to Herat City. They’re now staying in empty buildings.

Afghanistan’s Challenges

Afghanistan has had a lot of big earthquakes in the past. On top of that, the country is facing money problems and many people don’t have enough food. Afghanistan is one of the poorest countries in Asia, and they’ve been in wars for a long time which has hurt their country.

In 2021, the Taliban took over Afghanistan after U.S. soldiers left. Because of that, many groups that used to help Afghanistan stopped, and a lot of the country’s money got frozen. This made their money problems even worse. Right now, many families in Afghanistan are struggling.

What’s Next?

This earthquake reminds us that Afghanistan has a lot of challenges. They need help from other countries to deal with natural disasters. We hope that other countries can come together and help Afghanistan rebuild and recover.

Even though Afghanistan is facing hard times, its people are strong and keep pushing forward. It’s important for everyone to help and support them as they try to rebuild.

FAQ: Western Afghanistan Earthquake Breakdown

1. How strong was the earthquake in western Afghanistan?
The earthquake had a magnitude of 6.3.

2. Where did the earthquake happen?
It occurred about 25 miles (40 km) west of Herat city in the western Herat province.

3. How many people are believed to have died?
The latest estimates from the Taliban suggest around 2,000 deaths. However, rescue operations are ongoing, and this number might change.

4. What did the UN initially report about the casualties?
Initially, the UN reported an estimated 100 deaths and 500 injuries. But, the actual numbers now seem to be much higher.

5. Which village was the hardest hit by the earthquake?
Mahal Wadakah was the worst affected village, with at least 20 reported deaths.

6. How many people had to leave their homes because of the earthquake?
About 2,100 people, or roughly 300 families, had to relocate to Herat City, seeking shelter in empty buildings.

7. Why is Afghanistan especially in need of help right now?
Apart from the earthquake, Afghanistan is dealing with an economic crisis, food shortage, and the challenges of a recent political takeover by the Taliban, which resulted in the withdrawal of many international aid groups.

8. What can we do to help?
Supporting humanitarian aid organizations and raising awareness are key ways to help. Donations, either monetary or in kind, can go a long way in providing immediate relief and rebuilding efforts.

9. Are earthquakes common in Afghanistan?
Yes, Afghanistan is prone to seismic activity, and the country has experienced several significant earthquakes in the past.

10. Why was the number of casualties initially underestimated?
The initial assessments might not have covered all the affected areas, and as rescue operations progressed, more victims were discovered.

Sources CNN

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