Afghanistan was struck by a fresh earthquake of magnitude 4.4 on Thursday morning, according to a statement released by the National Center for Seismology (NCS). This moderate quake adds further stress to a nation already reeling from a more destructive seismic event earlier in the week.
The NCS reported that the earthquake occurred at 03:40:41 IST, with its epicentre located at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (Latitude: 34.55∘N, Longitude: 70.62∘E). The shallow depth is a critical factor, as these types of earthquakes are generally considered more dangerous than deep ones. The shorter distance seismic waves travel to the surface results in stronger ground shaking, increasing the potential for structural damage and casualties.
Deadly Quake Aftermath: 27 Killed, Homes Destroyed
This latest tremor comes as Afghanistan continues to deal with the aftermath of a more powerful earthquake (estimated at 6.3 magnitude) that struck northern Afghanistan on Monday night.
As of Wednesday, officials cited by media confirmed that the total death toll from the Monday night quake had tragically risen to 27 people, with nearly 1,000 others reported injured. The devastating quake caused widespread destruction, particularly in areas like Samangan and Khulm district.
Many victims who lost their homes are now forced to take shelter in temporary settings, such as school buildings, as they grapple with the destruction and the immediate challenge of the approaching winter.
Survivors Recount Loss and Desperate Conditions
The human cost of the disaster is profound, with survivors sharing heartbreaking stories of loss and urgent need:
- Gulabuddin, a resident of Samangan province, lost his house entirely, leaving him and ten family members homeless. Tragically, he also mourned the death of his pregnant daughter-in-law, who was killed when their house collapsed. “When I ran outside, a brick fell on me and I was injured. My daughter-in-law, who was pregnant, was killed when the house collapsed. God saved eight other members of our family,” he recounted.
- In Khulm district, where several families are now sheltering in schools, the conditions are dire. Nasim Gul, a survivor, appealed for urgent aid: “We need food and do not have a proper place to sit. Winter is approaching, and we have ten mouths to feed. My youngest child also became sick tonight.”
- Another survivor, Mirza Mohammad, echoed the plea: “Everything we had is buried under the rubble. We came to the school building, but here we have nothing.”