A second strong earthquake brings more destruction to Afghanistan

Another 6.3-magnitude earthquake has struck western Afghanistan, near the site of Saturday’s quake that left thousands of people dead.

Following the first earthquake that hit near the city of Herat, the capital of Herat province, on 8 October, a second powerful earthquake has struck the region early on Wednesday morning.

It is estimated that more than 12,000 people across Herat province have been affected.

Little information was available in the first hours following the earthquake, but the impact on the already-decimated region is thought to be significant. Buildings untouched by the first quake, have been flattened by the second.

Dr Mohammad Asif Kabir, director of the emergency health committee for Herat Province, has stated that at least 120 people were injured, and 1 person died as a result of the second earthquake.

Most of those hurt are from Herat City and Zinda Jan, the district most affected by the first quake.

Death toll continues to rise

Almost 1,300 people were killed in the aftermath of the initial earthquake that struck near the Iranian border on Saturday.

The earthquake and subsequent tremors were also felt in Iran, and a number of strong aftershocks were recorded, causing further destruction.

At least a dozen villages near the city of Herat have been decimated, with hundreds of homes flattened. There have been reports that families were buried inside the destroyed homes.

Rescue workers and volunteers are still attempting to dig through the rubble for survivors.

As rescue and relief efforts continue, Afghan authorities fear the death toll rise to more than 2,000.

An urgent response

Islamic Relief was among the first responders on the ground with health teams deployed to Herat Hospital and affected villages on the day the first earthquake hit the province.

Our health teams have delivered medical assistance to nearly 2,000 affected individuals and our temporary medical tents were already in place to help survivors of Wednesday’s earthquake.