The city of Herat in Afghanistan was struck by a third earthquake in just one week. The quake, which had a magnitude of 6.3, This follows two large tremors in the region that claimed the lives of more than 1,000 people on October 8.
According to the United States Geological Survey, the quake struck just after 8 a.m. (03:30 GMT) with an epicenter 33 km (21 miles) northwest of Herat, which is the capital of the eponymous western province.
A significant magnitude-5.5 aftershock occurred 20 minutes later. The full extent of the impact remains unclear, but as of now, 93 injuries and one fatality have been reported, according to Abdul Qadeem Mohammadi, head doctor at Herat Regional Hospital.
Eight days prior to this recent quake, another magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck approximately 40 km (25 miles) northwest of Herat, resulting in several major aftershocks of lesser magnitude.
The earlier earthquake caused devastating damage, leveling numerous rural homes and claiming the lives of 2,053 people, as reported by Taliban officials.
Despite this recent seismic activity, many citizens in the area continue to sleep outside due to fear of further tremors and potential collapse of their homes.
Dust storms followed the quakes, worsening living conditions and damaging tents used by survivors.
Thousands still reside amidst the ruins of homes where entire families were tragically wiped out last week.
The World Health Organization estimates that nearly 20,000 people have been affected by this series of disasters, with women and children constituting most of the fatalities.
The Taliban authorities are facing challenges in providing assistance due to existing humanitarian issues and limited relations with international aid organizations.
Volunteers have been tirelessly digging up survivors and bodies using only their bare hands following last week’s earthquakes.