Devastating Earthquake in Afghanistan Claims Lives and Damages Heritage

bitcoin A strong earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale struck northern Afghanistan early on Monday, resulting in the loss of over 20 lives and injuring approximately 320 individuals, as reported by the country's health ministry. The quake, which hit at 12:59 AM local time, is believed to have its epicenter located 22 kilometers (14 miles) west-southwest of Khulm, at a depth of 28 kilometers. This seismic event has caused significant devastation, primarily in the Balkh and Samangan provinces, according to Sharafat Zaman, a spokesperson for the health ministry, who communicated these preliminary figures through a video message to journalists.

Among the notable structures affected by the earthquake is the renowned Blue Mosque in Mazar-i-Sharif, a historic site dating back to the 15th century known for its striking tile work. An AFP journalist reported visible damage to the mosque, including the loss of ornate pieces from one of its minarets. This site holds considerable cultural significance, serving as a major gathering place during Islamic and cultural celebrations and is one of the few tourist attractions in Afghanistan.

In response to the disaster, Afghanistan's ministry of defense announced that rescue and emergency aid teams had promptly arrived in the affected areas of Balkh and Samangan provinces. Their efforts include transporting the injured to hospitals and providing assistance to families impacted by the earthquake. Yousaf Hammad, a spokesperson for Afghanistan’s disaster management agency, indicated that most of the injured sustained minor wounds and were able to return home after receiving initial medical care.

The quake was felt across the capital, Kabul, and several other provinces in Afghanistan. The defense ministry reported that landslides triggered by the earthquake temporarily blocked a key highway that connects Kabul to Mazar-i-Sharif; however, the road has since been cleared. Some individuals who were injured or trapped along this route were successfully transported to medical facilities.

Afghanistan has been no stranger to earthquakes in recent years, often struggling to adequately respond to such natural disasters, particularly in its more remote areas. The country is characterized by low-rise constructions, predominantly made of concrete and brick, while rural homes are typically built from mud bricks and wood, many of which are not structurally sound. A significant earthquake measuring 6.0 struck eastern Afghanistan near the Pakistan border on August 31, claiming more than 2,200 lives. Just a month later, on October 7, 2023, another magnitude 6.3 quake and its subsequent aftershocks resulted in the death of at least 4,000 people, according to the Taliban government.

The recent earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges Afghanistan faces, both from natural disasters and the socio-economic struggles that complicate recovery efforts. As the nation mourns its losses and begins the arduous task of rebuilding, the resilience of its people remains a beacon of hope amidst the devastation.