A magnitude 6.3 earthquake hit western Afghanistan on Saturday killing 14 people and injuring 78, an official said, predicting the toll could rise amid reports of people buried under collapsed buildings.
“These are the numbers that have been brought to the central hospital so far, but this is not the final figure,” the public health director of Herat province, Mohammad Taleb Shahid, told AFP. “We have information that people are buried under rubble.”
The earthquake, which struck western Afghanistan with a magnitude of 6.3, has left a trail of devastation in its wake. As rescue and relief efforts intensify, local authorities are bracing for the possibility of a higher casualty count.
The situation remains fluid, with ongoing reports of individuals trapped under the debris of collapsed structures, making it challenging to ascertain the full extent of the disaster.
Emergency response teams, including local and national authorities, along with international aid organizations, have mobilized to provide assistance to those affected.
READ ALSO: Naples Faces Earthquake Scare Hours Before Real Madrid Champions League Clash
Their efforts include search and rescue operations, medical aid, and the distribution of essential supplies to displaced families.
The earthquake has not only caused loss of life and injury but has also resulted in significant damage to homes and infrastructure, leaving many without shelter.
As the affected communities grapple with the aftermath of this natural disaster, there is a pressing need for continued support and resources to aid in recovery and rebuilding efforts.