A recent earthquake in northern Afghanistan, registering a magnitude of 6.3, has struck just two months after the country experienced one of its deadliest seismic events in history. This recurring natural disaster highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Afghanistan, a nation already grappling with various crises and under-resourced for disaster management. As the world turns its attention to these tragedies, it prompts an urgent call for international cooperation and support to aid those affected.
In the early hours of Monday, a significant earthquake measuring 6.3 in magnitude rocked northern Afghanistan, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). This seismic event occurred at a revised depth of 28 kilometers (17 miles) near Kholm, located close to the city of Mazar-i-Sharif in the Hindu Kush region, at approximately 12:59 AM local time. The quake was felt in the capital, Kabul, with reports indicating immediate reactions from residents who feared for their safety.
Emergency services were activated, broadcasting telephone numbers for those seeking assistance. However, as of the latest updates, local authorities had not reported any casualties or injuries stemming from this latest disturbance. Witnesses in Mazar-i-Sharif noted that many individuals fled into the streets, concerned about the potential collapse of their homes amid aftershocks.
Since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, the government has been confronted with several major earthquakes, notably one in 2023 that devastated the western Herat region, claiming over 1,500 lives and destroying more than 63,000 buildings. Earlier in August, a shallow 6.0-magnitude quake in eastern Afghanistan resulted in the loss of more than 2,200 lives, marking it as one of the most catastrophic tremors in the country’s recent history.
These recurring earthquakes, particularly along the tectonically active Hindu Kush mountain range where the Eurasian and Indian plates converge, expose Afghanistan’s vulnerability to natural disasters. The nation continues to face a plethora of challenges, including lingering poverty, severe drought, and the repatriation of millions of Afghans from neighboring countries like Pakistan and Iran.
Adding to the challenges, many homes in Afghanistan are constructed with substandard materials, and weak infrastructure complicates rescue and recovery efforts following such calamities. Historical data show that northeastern Afghanistan has witnessed twelve earthquakes exceeding a magnitude of 7.0 since 1900, underscoring its precarious geological context. As Afghanistan navigates these challenges, the call for enhanced international aid and disaster preparedness becomes increasingly critical.
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