Misplaced Pages

2023 Herat earthquakes

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
Earthquakes in western Afghanistan

2023 Herat earthquakes
A village destroyed by the earthquakes
2023 Herat earthquakes is located in Afghanistan2023 Herat earthquakes
UTC time2023-10-07 06:41:03
 2023-10-07 07:12:50
 2023-10-11 00:41:56
 2023-10-15 03:36:00
ISC event635743372
 635743376
 635746074
 635804203
USGS-ANSSComCat
 ComCat
 ComCat
 ComCat
Local date7 October 2023
 7 October 2023
 11 October 2023
 15 October 2023
Local time11:11 AFT (UTC+4:30)
 11:42 AFT (UTC+4:30)
 05:11 AFT (UTC+4:30)
 08:06 AFT (UTC+4:30)
Magnitude6.3 Mw
 6.3 Mw
 6.3 Mw
 6.3 Mw
Depth14.0 km (8.7 mi)
 8.0 km (5.0 mi)
 8.0 km (5.0 mi)
 9.0 km (5.6 mi)
Epicenter34°36′36″N 61°55′26″E / 34.610°N 61.924°E / 34.610; 61.924
TypeThrust
Areas affected
  • Afghanistan
  • Iran
Max. intensityMMI VIII (Severe)
Casualties1,489 dead, 2,444–2,744 injured
  • 1,482 dead, 2,100–2,400 injured (October 7 events)
  • 3 dead, 169 injured (October 11 event)
  • 4 dead, 162 injured (October 15 event)
  • 13 injured (October 28 event)

Four large earthquakes measuring Mww 6.3 each and their aftershocks affected Herat Province in western Afghanistan in early October 2023. The first two earthquakes occurred on 7 October at 11:11 AFT and 11:42 AFT near the city of Herat, followed by many aftershocks. On 11 and 15 October, two other magnitude 6.3 earthquakes struck the same area. Thrust faulting was associated with these earthquakes. The World Health Organization estimated 1,482 fatalities, 2,100 injuries, 43,400 people affected and 114,000 people requiring humanitarian aid due to the mainshock. The 11, 15 and 28 October earthquakes caused a combined seven deaths and 344 injuries.

The earthquakes struck Afghanistan during an ongoing humanitarian crisis following the Taliban takeover in 2021, and existing aid groups were experiencing a lack of funds prior to the disaster. Some aid agencies including UNICEF and the Red Cross appealed for donations in response to the earthquakes. Many international organizations and countries participated in rescue and relief efforts. Hospitals were overwhelmed by the number of injured and lack of proper equipment. Thousands more were made homeless as the country entered the winter.

Tectonic setting

Tectonic plate boundary map of the South Asian region

Afghanistan is situated within the broad and complex zone of collision between the Arabian Plate, the Indian Plate, and the Eurasian Plate. The western part of the country is subdivided into the North Afghan Platform to the north and a series of accreted terranes to the south. The North Afghan Platform has remained relatively tectonically stable since the Variscan Orogeny during the Late Palaeozoic, when it became part of Eurasia. To the south there is a collage of continental fragments and magmatic arcs that have been progressively accreted, particularly in the Mesozoic era. The boundary between these two crustal areas is the major right-lateral strike-slip Harirud (or Herat) Fault, which is far less seismically active than the Chaman Fault that runs through the east of the country. To the north of the Harirud Fault, the near parallel Band-e Turkestan Fault does show signs of recent activity, also in a right-lateral sense.

The seismicity of Afghanistan is attributed to the complex and active tectonic interactions between the Arabian, Eurasian, and Indian plates. Within 250 km (160 mi) of the 7 October earthquakes epicenters, there have been seven magnitude 6.0 or greater earthquakes with epicenters in Iran. These include a Mw  7.3 earthquake in May 1997 and a Mw  7.1 earthquake in 1979. In June 2022, eastern Afghanistan was affected by an earthquake that killed over 1,000 people.

Earthquakes

Map of main shocks and aftershocks – M 4.0 or greater (map data)

The first event, measuring a magnitude of 6.3, struck at 11:11 AFT (06:41 UTC). A magnitude 5.5 aftershock occurred eight minutes later. Another magnitude 6.3 event struck at 11:42 AFT (07:12 UTC), followed by a magnitude 5.9 aftershock. On 11 October, a third Mww  6.3 earthquake occurred within the same area and another event of the same magnitude occurring on 15 October. The United States Geological Survey said all four earthquakes were the result of shallow thrust faulting. The fault plane solution indicate a rupture source striking east–west with a north or south dip. On October 28, a Mww 5.0 event hit the area, followed by a mb 4.8 aftershock the next day.

According to seismologists, these earthquakes had epicenters between the Siakhubulak Fault in the north and Herat Fault in the south. According to satellite data from Sentinel-1A, an area measuring 30 km (19 mi) by 15 km (9.3 mi) and extending east–west around the location of these earthquakes was uplifted. Meanwhile the satellite detected subsidence in a small area east of the uplifted zone. The seismologists added that the ground deformation was diffuse and inferred the earthquakes were associated with a blind thrust fault. The fault responsible is likely a structure located between the Herat and Siakhubulak faults.

Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology released two possible finite fault models for the second large earthquake. In both models, no slip occurred at the top depth of the model. The first model is a north-dipping, east-southeast–west-northwest striking thrust fault. The rupture mechanism was reverse-faulting with a small right-lateral component, initiating at a depth of 5.0 km (3.1 mi). In this model, the maximum slip was 2.2 m (7 ft 3 in) at 4.8 km (3.0 mi) depth and immediately east of the hypocenter. Slip of 1 m (3 ft 3 in) or greater was observed east and west of the hypocenter although the largest slip (>2 m (6 ft 7 in)) was observed to the east.

In the latter model, the fault dips to the south and strikes east–west. The focal depth is inferred to be 5.8 km (3.6 mi); the zone of maximum slip is located east of the hypocenter, where it peaked at 2.8 m (9 ft 2 in). Overall, to the immediate east and west of the hypocenter, the slip was about 2 m (6 ft 7 in) although the larger values were observed further away.

Impact

Strong ground motion map of the October 7 earthquake

7 October earthquakes

The World Health Organization reported 1,482 deaths as of 19 October while Taliban officials said about 1,000 had died. The Taliban revised the death toll on 11 October from a previous estimate of over 3,000. They added that confusion arose as rescue groups had counted twice and there were coordination issues. The World Health Organization said 90 percent of the casualties were women and children who died in their homes when they collapsed. At the time of the earthquakes, most men were outdoors, the organization added. The World Health Organization recorded 2,100 wounded while the Taliban provided an estimate of 2,400 people injured.

The United Nations also estimated 43,300 people affected and 114,000 people in need of aid. Among the villages affected were Mahal Wadakah, where 20 people died, Dasht Hows, Bahadorzai, and Zoryan. Telephone communications were also lost. In addition to the destruction in Herat Province, collapsed houses and injuries were also reported in the neighbouring provinces of Badghis and Farah.

Over 21,500 houses were destroyed, and 17,088 others were severely damaged. At least 21,300 buildings, including 21 health facilities and 21 schools also received damage. Homes constructed of mud constituted the hardest-hit settlements; a resident of one of the affected areas said many homes collapsed during the first earthquake. An official representing the National Disaster Management Authority said in several villages with populations of 1,000, only 100 out of an estimated 300 houses remained intact.

Over 15 villages were destroyed, three others were severely damaged and 38 were moderately affected. The village of Nayeb Rafi was completely razed and nearly 80 percent of its population perished. In Siah Aab, Zinda Jan District, 300 inhabitants perished. In the Kushk District, more than 200 houses were damaged or destroyed to some extent. Entire families, including some with 30 members, were reportedly trapped under the rubble. In the village of Sarboland, dozens of houses were levelled and a resident said at least 30 people died. Up to 170 people were reported to have died in the village of Kashkak. Hundreds of people remained trapped beneath collapsed ruins, said a government official on 8 October.

Medieval-era minarets in Herat also sustained damage. Plaster from walls fell while parts of buildings collapsed in the city. In Iran, one person in Torbat-e Jam was injured and minor damage to houses occurred in Taybad.

11, 15 and 28 October earthquakes

The 11 October earthquake killed three people and injured at least 169. Of the injured, 153 were in Herat, 13 were from Badghis, and three were from Farah provinces. Many people were living outdoors because of damage to homes from the first two quakes when the third earthquake struck in the early morning. The governor's office in Herat said several neighbouring districts that were badly affected by previous earthquakes had experienced "huge losses" following the 11 October shock. This earthquake destroyed all 700 houses in Chahak, a village undamaged by the previous earthquakes. The Herat–Torghundi highway was blocked by a landslide. In Herat, damage was limited; bricks from the Akhtaruddin Castle collapsed and parts of its walls fractured. Several minarets also collapsed. Parts of rooftop of the Great Mosque of Herat fell and scattered debris into the floor; the Herat Citadel was also damaged.

The earthquake on 15 October caused four deaths, 160 injuries and additional damage in the eastern districts of Herat city. Several villages were completely destroyed and power outages occurred in most of Herat Province. Two people were also injured in Torbat-e Jam, Iran. The 28 October earthquake injured 13 people and caused additional property damage in Herat.

Search and rescue

Rescue efforts in a devastated village, Herat Province

The earthquakes occurred at a time when the region was struggling to cope with multiple crises such as displacement caused by decades of war, a years-long drought, and a huge reduction in foreign aid since the Taliban takeover in 2021.

The World Health Organization dispatched 12 ambulances to Zinda Jan District to transport casualties to hospitals. The United Nations dispatched four ambulances carrying doctors and psychosocial support counsellors to a hospital. The Associated Press reported on 9 October that three mobile health teams were expected to be in Zinda Jan District. Five medical tents designed to assist 80 patients were established by Doctors Without Borders at Herat Regional Hospital. Seven teams of the Afghan Red Crescent Society were involved in rescue efforts while more teams were expected to arrive from eight other provinces. A spokesman for the organization said people made homeless were residing at a temporary shelter. The organization also provided tarpaulins, water storage containers, kitchen appliances, blankets and many other essentials. UNICEF distributed 10,000 hygiene kits, 5,000 family kits, 1,500 sets of winter clothes and blankets, 1,000 tarpaulins, and basic household items to the area.

The national director of World Vision Afghanistan said on 9 October that "the situation is worse than we imagined", adding that people were still attempting to rescue those trapped under debris with their hands. Communication outage and blocked roads hampered rescue missions. In affected villages, residents used shovels and their bare hands to retrieve survivors beneath the rubble. An Afghan police spokesperson said on 8 October that the affected people required food and shelter. Personnel from the military and nonprofit organizations such as the Red Crescent also participated in rescue missions. The World Food Program said their workers were distributing food packages. Food packages were ready for 20,000 people; each package sufficient to sustain a family of seven for a month. The organization was also preparing to provide food support for up to 70,000 people. Athlete Rashid Khan pledged his Cricket World Cup fees to help victims of the earthquake and announced that a fundraising campaign would be set up.

A provincial health department official said over 200 bodies were transported to hospitals and many of the dead were women and children. The main hospital of Herat prepared for the large inflow of victims by lining-up beds outside. At Herat Hospital, a health worker said vans carrying bodies were arriving every minute. Many health workers at the hospital were overwhelmed at the number of injured and the morgue had been overrun. The Taliban governor's office in Kandahar said 10 teams including 37 doctors and nurses were sent to Herat Province. Kandahar's public health director said the teams were also transporting 2 tons of medicine.

By 10 October, approximately 72 hours after the first two earthquakes, rescue efforts had subsided; however, rescue and relief teams were active again following the third earthquake on 11 October. Health teams transferred several of the wounded to a hospital. According to the Afghan Red Crescent on 12 October, search and rescue efforts were 98 percent completed. However in the affected area, 32 health and rescue groups would remain in the area. There were no announcements from the Taliban about officially ending all rescue efforts. Following the 15 October earthquake, three damage assessment teams were dispatched by Iran to Razavi and South Khorasan provinces. Iran also sent a damage assessment team to Torbat-e Jam.

Aftermath and recovery

Mass funerals were held in the affected villages. Three hundred people were given a mass funeral and burial in Siah Ab. More than 35 rescue teams from military and nonprofit organizations had been deployed. On 13 October, the Supreme Court of Afghanistan ordered the release of 473 prisoners from a prison facility in Herat Province due to fears that it may collapse after cracks were found in its walls during a two-day damage inspection. All prisoners were released by the same day on compassionate grounds and because they had served most of their sentence.

About 2,100 displaced people fled to Herat. People with relatives or homes in other provinces evacuated Herat after the 15 October earthquake. Due to aftershocks, many survivors did not sleep in their homes. The World Health Organization said these aftershocks had left survivors "in a persistent state of anxiety and fear". Many homes, offices and mosques were abandoned as residents were living in temporary tents. Many traumatized and anxious people visited hospitals for assistance. The Director-General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said Herat Province became a “tent city” as people took refuge under tents in parks and open spaces. In January 2024, Fran Equiza, the UNICEF representative in Afghanistan, said that almost 100,000 children in the affected areas remained in urgent need of humanitarian aid.

Many hospitals in Herat became overwhelmed by patients. At the Herat Regional Hospital, there were support teams from Médecins Sans Frontières. Although most patients did not have life-threatening injuries, many remained at the hospital because their homes were uninhabitable. Afghanistan was also entering the winter season while thousands of people remained homeless amidst cold temperatures. Doctors Without Borders stated that more than 340 people were discharged from a hospital but refused to leave as they had no homes. By 12 October, the World Health Organization had treated over 5,600 individuals; many were from Zendeh Jan District. Strong winds occurred across the country beginning on 12 October, damaging tents and injuring additional people.

Abdul Ghani Baradar, Afghanistan's Deputy Prime Minister of Economic Affairs, visited the affected area and met locals, officials and health workers. During the visit, he also announced the Taliban would construct new houses for survivors. The Taliban announced they plan to provide housing for survivors before the winter.

By January 2024, at least 3,000 houses had been constructed in Zinda Jan, while the reconstruction efforts saw the usage of superadobe housing in Afghanistan for the first time. However, Luo Dapeng, the representative of the World Health Organization in Afghanistan, estimated that between 200,000 to 300,000 people were still living in tents following the earthquake. Nearly 300 schools were damaged by the earthquake, affecting 180,000 students.

International reactions

See also: Aftermath of the Afghanistan War (2001–2021) § Humanitarian crisis

The Taliban publicly appealed for aid; at a news conference on 8 October, they said all international and internal organizations support was needed. Besides many countries offering aid, many international organizations also contributed to the humanitarian response. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said requested immediate assistance and said on 12 October, only 36 percent of its US$132.64 million appeal was collected. A separate fundraising for US$20 million was also organized by UNICEF. Nevertheless, the international response to the earthquake was seen as slow due to many countries' reluctance to interact with the Taliban-led government and the start of the 2023 Israel-Hamas War, which began hours before the first mainshock happened on 7 October. In February 2024, the UN estimated that around $400 million was needed for reconstruction and recovery efforts from the disaster.

  •  Australia: Australia pledged AU $1 million in aid to the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund.
  •  Canada: Foreign affairs minister Mélanie Joly said that her thoughts were with Afghans, adding "Canada stands ready to support the Afghan people." International development minister Ahmed Hussen also indicated that the country was closely monitoring the situation.
  •  China: Chinese ambassador to Afghanistan Zhao Xing announced that his government and its charitable institutions were ready to give all forms of assistance. The Chinese Red Cross Society offered $200,000 in aid.
  •  European Union: The European Union approved a €3.5 million aid package.
  •  Germany: Germany pledged €60 million for humanitarian aid.
  •  Indonesia: The National Agency for Disaster Countermeasure sent Rp 22,104 billion in aid and 17 types of items to the earthquake victims.
  •  Iran: Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian promised humanitarian aid to Afghanistan in a phone call with Afghan acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. Rescue teams from Iran arrived with advanced and complete equipment to speed up the delivery of aid. Ten teams including 50 rescue workers and 500 tents, 1,000 pieces of moquette, 4,000 blankets, 500 dishes, and 500 food packages, along with search equipment were sent.
  •  Japan: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement saying it was providing US$ 3 million to international organizations. Japanese non-governmental organizations would also receive US$ 1.46 million to provide food, health and other necessities.
  •  Kazakhstan: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced the delivery of humanitarian assistance including food, tents, medicines, clothing and other necessary items, as well as the deployment of rescue personnel and dogs to Afghanistan. A total of 1,659 tons of humanitarian aid was sent. LLP "SK Pharmacy" allocated medicines for shipment. Forty-five employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations were sent to Herat province to carry out search and rescue operations. They managed to work through 76 affected areas within the first 24 hours of deployment.
  •  Kyrgyzstan: Kyrgyzstan sent humanitarian aid.
  •  Pakistan: The National Disaster Management Authority made preparations to supply essential relief items. Pakistan sent a medical team, field hospital, 50 tents, medicines and 500 blankets to the earthquake-hit region on the "specific request" of the Afghan government. High-ranking officials from the body also discussed the situation with Pakistan's ambassador to Afghanistan, Ubaid Ur Rehman Nizamani, and other department personnel. However, due to a controversial tweet regarding aid from Pakistani prime minister Anwar ul Haq Kakar, the Taliban rejected Pakistan's offer.
  •  Qatar: Qatar sent humanitarian aid.
  •  Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia sent humanitarian aid.
  •  Singapore: The Singapore Red Cross pledged US$50,000 to support the humanitarian effort.
  •  South Korea: South Korea provided US$1 million.
  •  Tajikistan: Tajikistan provided US$1.5 million.
  •  Turkey: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs extended its condolences to the people of Afghanistan and expressed sympathy for the recovery of the injured. The Ministry of National Defense announced that an aircraft containing emergency relief materials and equipment of AFAD had departed from Murted Air Base for Afghanistan.
  •  Turkmenistan: Medical equipment, clothes, and food were donated to a charity organization.
  •  United Arab Emirates: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said 22 aircraft delivered food packages, 500 tents and 140 aid packages.
  •  United States: Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that the United States was "carefully following the impact of the earthquake", adding that its humanitarian partners were "responding with urgent aid in support of the people of Afghanistan." USAID announced $12 million in urgent humanitarian assistance.
  •  Uzbekistan: Uzbekistan sent 100 tons of humanitarian aid.

See also

References

  1. World Health Organization (16 October 2023). "Afghanistan Earthquakes in Herat Province, Health Situation Report No. 8, 15-16 October 2023". ReliefWeb. Archived from the original on 18 October 2023. Retrieved 17 October 2023.
  2. Nasar, Khudai Noor (12 October 2023). "Starving Afghan earthquake survivors face reality of aid shortfall". Nikkei Asia. Archived from the original on 13 October 2023. Retrieved 12 October 2023.
  3. Makoii, Akhtar Mohammad (11 October 2023). "Fears of more casualties as further earthquakes hit Afghanistan". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 12 October 2023. Retrieved 12 October 2023.
  4. Wheeler, R. L.; Rukstales, K. S. (2007). "Seismotectonic Map of Afghanistan and Adjacent Areas" (PDF). Open File Report 2007-1104. United States Geological Survey. Archived (PDF) from the original on 21 January 2022. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
  5. Shroder, J. F.; Eqrar, N.; Waizy, H.; Ahmadi, H.; Weihs, B. J. (2021). "Review of the Geology of Afghanistan and its water resources" (PDF). International Geology Review. 64 (7): 1009–1031. doi:10.1080/00206814.2021.1904297. S2CID 236589221. Archived (PDF) from the original on 23 June 2022. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
  6. ^ National Earthquake Information Center (7 October 2023). "M 6.3 – 35 km NNE of Zindah Jān, Afghanistan". United States Geological Survey. Archived from the original on 8 October 2023. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
  7. ^ Butt, Riazat (8 October 2023). "Afghanistan earthquake death toll reaches 2,000". Global News. Associated Press. Archived from the original on 8 October 2023. Retrieved 8 October 2023.
  8. National Earthquake Information Center (7 October 2023). "M 5.5 – 29 km NE of Zindah Jān, Afghanistan". United States Geological Survey. Archived from the original on 7 October 2023. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
  9. National Earthquake Information Center (7 October 2023). "M 6.3 – 26 km NNE of Zindah Jān, Afghanistan". United States Geological Survey. Archived from the original on 8 October 2023. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
  10. National Earthquake Information Center (7 October 2023). "M 5.9 – 35 km NNW of Herāt, Afghanistan". United States Geological Survey. Archived from the original on 7 October 2023. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
  11. National Earthquake Information Center (11 October 2023). "M 6.3 - 28 km NNW of Herāt, Afghanistan". United States Geological Survey. Archived from the original on 11 October 2023. Retrieved 11 October 2023.
  12. National Earthquake Information Center (15 October 2023). "M 6.3 - 32 km NNW of Herāt, Afghanistan". United States Geological Survey. Archived from the original on 16 October 2023. Retrieved 15 October 2023.
  13. National Earthquake Information Center (28 October 2023). "M 5.0 - 24 km NNW of Herāt, Afghanistan". United States Geological Survey. Retrieved 29 October 2023.
  14. National Earthquake Information Center (29 October 2023). "M 4.8 - 19 km NE of Zindah Jān, Afghanistan". United States Geological Survey. Retrieved 29 October 2023.
  15. Hubbard, Judith; Bradley, Kykle (8 October 2023). "Two magnitude 6.3 earthquakes strike northwestern Afghanistan". Earthquake Insights. Archived from the original on 11 October 2023. Retrieved 9 October 2023.
  16. ^ "Earthquake with magnitude of Mwp 6.4 on date 07-10-2023 and time 09:12:53 (Italy) in region Northwestern Afghanistan [Land: Afghanistan]". National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology. 7 October 2023. Archived from the original on 11 October 2023. Retrieved 10 October 2023.
  17. ^ World Health Organization (19 October 2023). "Afghanistan Earthquakes in Herat Province, Health Situation Report No. 9, 17-19 October 2023". ReliefWeb. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
  18. "Afghanistan Lowers Quake Death Toll To 1,000". Barron's. Agence France-Presse. 11 October 2023. Archived from the original on 11 October 2023. Retrieved 11 October 2023.
  19. Ferdouse Asefi (26 October 2023). "More than 3,000 dead in Afghanistan earthquakes — 90 per cent were women and children 'imprisoned' in their homes". Ricochet Media. Retrieved 27 October 2023.
  20. "Afghanistan hit by second strong earthquake in days". Al Jazeera. 11 October 2023. Archived from the original on 11 October 2023. Retrieved 11 October 2023.
  21. Karimi, Mohsen (11 October 2023). "Vast majority of dead in Afghan quakes women and children". Agence France-Presse. Archived from the original on 11 October 2023. Retrieved 11 October 2023.
  22. "Most casualties in recent Afghan earthquakes are women, children -WHO". Reuters. 9 October 2023. Archived from the original on 10 October 2023. Retrieved 9 October 2023.
  23. "Afghan quakes toll revised to 1,000 as new tremors cause panic". Channel News Asia. Agence France-Presse. 11 October 2023. Archived from the original on 11 October 2023. Retrieved 12 October 2023.
  24. Haqjo, Omid; Faiez, Rahim (10 October 2023). "Afghans still hope to find survivors from quake that killed over 2,000 in western Herat province". Associated Press News. Archived from the original on 11 October 2023. Retrieved 10 October 2023.
  25. ^ "More than 2,000 people killed as earthquake strikes western Afghanistan". CNN. 8 October 2023. Archived from the original on 8 October 2023. Retrieved 9 October 2023.
  26. "Death toll from strong earthquakes that shook western Afghanistan rises to over 2,000". Associated Press. 7 October 2023. Archived from the original on 8 October 2023. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
  27. "زلزله شدیدی ولایات بادغیس و هرات افغانستان را لرزاند" (in Persian). Anadolu Agency. 7 October 2023. Archived from the original on 7 October 2023. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
  28. "Several Strong Earthquakes Shake Western Region of Country". TOLOnews. 7 October 2023. Archived from the original on 8 October 2023. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
  29. OCHA (20 October 2023). "Herat Earthquakes: Flash Update #7 Earthquakes in Herat Province, Western Region, Afghanistan (20 October 2023)". ReliefWeb. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
  30. OCHA (13 October 2023). "Herat Earthquakes: Flash Update #5 Earthquakes in Herat Province, Western Region, Afghanistan 13 October 2023". ReliefWeb. Archived from the original on 14 October 2023. Retrieved 13 October 2023.
  31. ^ ECHO. Afghanistan - Earthquakes, update (DG ECHO, UN OCHA, GDACS, NRC, UNITAR-UNOSAT, Copernicus EMSR) (ECHO Daily Flash of 12 October 2023) (Report). ReliefWeb. Archived from the original on 16 October 2023. Retrieved 13 October 2023.
  32. ^ "Afghanistan earthquake: Race to rescue victims in Herat Province". BBC News. 8 October 2023. Archived from the original on 8 October 2023. Retrieved 8 October 2023.
  33. "Hundreds Feared Dead In Powerful Earthquakes In Afghanistan's Herat Region". Radio Free Europe. 7 October 2023. Archived from the original on 8 October 2023. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
  34. "TOLOnews – 6pm News – 08 October 2023". TOLOnews. 8 October 2023. Archived from the original on 8 October 2023. Retrieved 8 October 2023.
  35. ^ "Rescue efforts wind down in quake-hit Afghanistan as villages bury dead". The Straits Times. Reuters. 10 October 2023. Archived from the original on 10 October 2023. Retrieved 10 October 2023.
  36. "Another quake strikes western Afghanistan; official says more homes destroyed". Reuters. 11 October 2023. Archived from the original on 11 October 2023. Retrieved 11 October 2023.
  37. Kaveh, Amin (8 October 2023). "زلزله فاجعه‌بار هرات؛ هزاران تن کشته، زخمی یا ناپدید شده‌اند" [Herat's catastrophic earthquake; Thousands of people have been killed, injured or disappeared] (in Persian). 8 Sobh Daily. Archived from the original on 8 October 2023. Retrieved 8 October 2023.
  38. ^ "120 dead in Afghanistan quake". The Manila Times. Agence France-Presse. 9 October 2023. Archived from the original on 9 October 2023. Retrieved 9 October 2023.
  39. ^ "Dust and despair in Afghan village wiped out by quakes". France 24. 9 October 2023. Archived from the original on 9 October 2023. Retrieved 9 October 2023.
  40. ^ Yawar, Mohammad Yunus (8 October 2023). "Afghan earthquakes kill 2,053, Taliban say, as death toll spikes". Reuters. Archived from the original on 8 October 2023. Retrieved 8 October 2023.
  41. "یکی از شهروندان تربت جام دچار تروما و مصدومیت شد" [One of the citizens of Torbat Jam was traumatized and injured] (in Persian). ILNA. 7 October 2023. Archived from the original on 7 October 2023. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
  42. "زلزله در تایباد خسارت عمده‌ای نداشت" [The earthquake did not cause major damage in Taybad] (in Persian). Young Journalist's Club. 7 October 2023. Archived from the original on 8 October 2023. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
  43. "Afghan earthquakes death toll revised to 'over 1,000' from over 2,400 by Taliban-run ministry". Reuters. 13 October 2023. Archived from the original on 14 October 2023. Retrieved 15 October 2023.
  44. ^ "لحظه به لحظه با زلزله هرات" [Moment by moment with the Herat earthquake] (in Persian). 8 Sobh Daily. 15 October 2023. Archived from the original on 16 October 2023. Retrieved 15 October 2023.
  45. "One dead as new quake shakes west Afghanistan". Channel News Asia. Agence France-Presse. 11 October 2023. Archived from the original on 11 October 2023. Retrieved 11 October 2023.
  46. ^ "Magnitude 6.3 earthquake in northwestern Afghanistan causes fresh damage -Afghan officials". The Straits Times. Reuters. 11 October 2023. Retrieved 11 October 2023.
  47. "Another strong earthquake flattens homes and worsens misery in western Afghanistan". The Marietta Times. Associated Press. 12 October 2023. Archived from the original on 13 October 2023. Retrieved 11 October 2023.
  48. "Afghanistan hit by second strong earthquake in days". Al Jazeera. 11 October 2023. Archived from the original on 11 October 2023. Retrieved 11 October 2023.
  49. "The collapse of a part of the minarets and Akhtaruddin Castle due to the earthquake in Herat". Afghan Voice Agency. 11 October 2023. Archived from the original on 11 October 2023. Retrieved 11 October 2023.
  50. "Cultural heritages damaged due to series of earthquakes in Herat, Afghanistan". Xinhua News Agency. 13 October 2023. Archived from the original on 16 October 2023. Retrieved 13 October 2023.
  51. "Four people killed and over 150 injured after Afghanistan hit by 6.3 magnitude earthquake". ITV News. 15 October 2023. Archived from the original on 15 October 2023. Retrieved 15 October 2023.
  52. "زلزلۀ صبح امروز هرات؛ دو تن جان باخته و ۱۶۰ تن دیگر زخمی شده‌اند" [The Herat earthquake this morning; Two people died and 160 others were] (in Persian). Pajhwok Afghan News. 15 October 2023. Archived from the original on 16 October 2023. Retrieved 15 October 2023.
  53. "کشته و زخمی شدن 94 تن در اثر زلزله صبح امروز یکشنبه در هرات" [94 people were killed and injured in the earthquake this morning in Herat] (in Persian). Afghan Voice Agency. 15 October 2023. Archived from the original on 16 October 2023. Retrieved 15 October 2023.
  54. "Powerful earthquake hits west Afghanistan, a week after strong quakes in same region". NPR. Associated Press. 15 October 2023. Archived from the original on 15 October 2023. Retrieved 15 October 2023.
  55. Latif, Aamir (15 October 2023). "6.3 magnitude earthquake shakes northwestern Afghanistan". Anadolu Agency. Archived from the original on 16 October 2023. Retrieved 15 October 2023.
  56. "فرماندار تربت جام: ۲ نفر در این شهر هنگام فرار از زلزله مصدوم شدند" [Governor of Torbat Jam: 2 people were injured in this city while fleeing from the earthquake] (in Persian). Islamic Republic News Agency. 15 October 2023. Archived from the original on 16 October 2023. Retrieved 15 October 2023.
  57. "Fresh quake jolts west Afghanistan, 13 injured sent to hospital" [Due to the earthquake, 20 houses were destroyed and 75 were damaged in Dhading]. Head Topics. 29 October 2023. Archived from the original on 29 October 2023. Retrieved 29 October 2023.
  58. "Powerful earthquake kills more than 100 people in western Afghanistan". Al Jazeera. 7 October 2023. Archived from the original on 8 October 2023. Retrieved 8 October 2023.
  59. ^ "هرات کې مرګونې زلزله؛ د ژغورنې او موندنې هڅې لا هم روانې دي" [Deadly earthquake in Herat; Rescue and search efforts are still ongoing]. BBC (in Pashto). 9 October 2023. Archived from the original on 9 October 2023. Retrieved 9 October 2023.
  60. Chen, Heather (9 October 2023). "Aid group warns devastation from Afghanistan earthquake 'worse than we imagined'". CNN (in Pashto). Archived from the original on 9 October 2023. Retrieved 9 October 2023.
  61. Heather, Chen (9 October 2023). "Aid group warns devastation from Afghanistan earthquake 'worse than we imagined'". CNN. Archived from the original on 9 October 2023. Retrieved 9 October 2023.
  62. "Death toll from Afghanistan earthquake exceeds 2,500". Anadolu Agency. 8 October 2023. Archived from the original on 8 October 2023. Retrieved 8 October 2023.
  63. "WFP initiates efforts to aid 70,000 earthquake-affected individuals". Amu TV. 9 October 2023. Archived from the original on 9 October 2023. Retrieved 9 October 2023.
  64. "Afghanistan earthquake death toll rises to 2,000: Taliban officials". Aljazeera. 8 October 2023. Archived from the original on 8 October 2023. Retrieved 9 October 2023.
  65. Makoii, Akhtar Mohammad (9 October 2023). "Afghan earthquake survivors sleep amid rubble as death toll nears 3,000". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 9 October 2023. Retrieved 9 October 2023.
  66. ^ "Aid agencies call for urgent funds in aftermath of deadly Afghan earthquakes". The Straits Times. Reuters. 12 October 2023. Archived from the original on 13 October 2023. Retrieved 12 October 2023.
  67. "اعزام ۳ تیم ارزیاب به خراسان رضوی و جنوبی درپی وقوع زلزله ۶.۴ ریشتری در افغانستان" [Dispatch of 3 assessment teams to Razavi and South Khorasan following the 6.4 magnitude earthquake in Afghanistan] (in Persian). Mizan News Agency. 15 October 2023. Archived from the original on 16 October 2023. Retrieved 15 October 2023.
  68. "تیم ارزیاب زلزله به تربت جام اعزام شد" [The earthquake assessment team was sent to Torbet Jam] (in Persian). Iran Metropolises News Agency. 15 October 2023. Archived from the original on 16 October 2023. Retrieved 15 October 2023.
  69. "Mass funeral held for Afghan quake victims, families still missing". Khaleej Times. Agence France-Presse. 9 October 2023. Archived from the original on 9 October 2023. Retrieved 10 October 2023.
  70. "Afghans grieve as scramble for earthquake survivors continues". Al Jazeera. 10 October 2023. Archived from the original on 11 October 2023. Retrieved 10 October 2023.
  71. Bariz, Benyamin (14 October 2023). "Amid quake fears, 473 inmates freed from Herat prison". Pajhwok Afghan News. Archived from the original on 14 October 2023. Retrieved 14 October 2023.
  72. "Afghans flee western region after fresh earthquake kills two". Channel News Asia. Agence France-Presse. 16 October 2023. Archived from the original on 16 October 2023. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  73. Singh, Vikrant, ed. (18 October 2023). "Afghanistan: Herat province turns into 'tent city' as spell of earthquakes haunts residents". WION. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  74. Faiez, Rahim (15 January 2024). "Almost 100,000 Afghan children are in dire need of support, 3 months after earthquakes, UNICEF says". Associated Press News. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  75. Cai, Derek; Guinto, Joel; Limaye, Yogita (9 October 2023). "Afghanistan earthquake: More than 1,000 dead as villagers dig for survivors". BBC News. Archived from the original on 9 October 2023. Retrieved 9 October 2023.
  76. "Thousands of Afghans out in cold as magnitude 6.3 quake hits west". Manila Standard. Agence France-Presse. 11 October 2023. Archived from the original on 11 October 2023. Retrieved 11 October 2023.
  77. Gul, Ayaz (12 October 2023). "Afghan Officials Lower Earthquakes' Death Toll". Voice of America. Archived from the original on 12 October 2023. Retrieved 12 October 2023.
  78. "One week since western Afghanistan struck by earthquakes". NHK. 14 October 2023. Archived from the original on 16 October 2023. Retrieved 14 October 2023.
  79. "Taliban promises to build new homes for Afghan earthquake victims". Peoples Gazette. News Agency of Nigeria. 10 October 2023. Archived from the original on 11 October 2023. Retrieved 11 October 2023.
  80. "هرات کې نن سهار بیا زلزله شوې؛ طالبان: زلزله ځپلو ته له ژمي مخکې د کورونو ورکړې پلان لرو" [There was another earthquake in Herat this morning; Taliban: We plan to give houses to earthquake victims before winter] (in Pashto). BBC News. 15 October 2023. Archived from the original on 16 October 2023. Retrieved 15 October 2023.
  81. ^ Haqjo, Omid (7 January 2024). "Survivors struggle to rebuild their lives three months after Afghanistan's devastating earthquake". Associated Press News. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
  82. "Over 200,000 live in tents 3 months after Afghan quake, WHO official says". NHK. 18 January 2024. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  83. "Afghan kids learn in makeshift schools six months after major quake". France 24. 6 April 2024. Retrieved 6 April 2024.
  84. "100 killed, 500 injured as magnitude 6.3 quakes hit western Afghanistan". France 24. 7 October 2023. Archived from the original on 8 October 2023. Retrieved 8 October 2023.
  85. "Quakes prompt Taliban to seek international support". NHK World-Japan. 8 October 2023. Archived from the original on 9 October 2023. Retrieved 8 October 2023.
  86. Haqjo, Omid (22 February 2024). "More than $400 million needed for western Afghanistan to recover from October earthquake, UN says". Associated Press News. Retrieved 22 February 2024.
  87. Ikonomou, Tess (11 October 2023). "Australia sends aid to Afghanistan after deadly quakes". The New Daily. Archived from the original on 10 October 2023. Retrieved 11 October 2023.
  88. "Afghan Canadians unite to offer support following deadly earthquake". CTV News. 8 October 2023. Archived from the original on 9 October 2023. Retrieved 9 October 2023.
  89. "Desperate people dig out dead and injured from quakes that killed over 2000 in Afghanistan". Stuff. 8 October 2023. Archived from the original on 11 October 2023. Retrieved 9 October 2023.
  90. "Afghanistan earthquake: More than 1,000 dead as villagers dig for survivors". BBC. 9 October 2023. Archived from the original on 9 October 2023. Retrieved 9 October 2023.
  91. "اروپایي ټولنې د هرات زلزله ځپلو سره د درې نیم میلیونه یورو مرسته اعلان کړه" [The European Union has announced 3.5 million euros in aid to the victims of the Herat earthquake] (in Pashto). Pajhwok Afghan News. 10 October 2023. Archived from the original on 11 October 2023. Retrieved 11 October 2023.
  92. "Germany pledges €60 million in humanitarian aid for Afghanistan". KabulNow. 1 December 2023. Retrieved 11 March 2024.
  93. "BNPB distributes 17 types of items for Afghanistan earthquake victims". Antara. 21 November 2023. Retrieved 27 November 2023.
  94. "Iran's aid to victims of earthquake in Afghanistan". Iran Press. 10 October 2023. Archived from the original on 10 October 2023. Retrieved 10 October 2023.
  95. "Iran sends aid, rescuers to quake-hit Afghanistan". Tehran Times. 8 October 2023. Archived from the original on 9 October 2023. Retrieved 10 October 2023.
  96. Ul Khaliq, Riyaz (10 October 2023). "Afghan, Iranian foreign ministers discuss Herat earthquake aftermath". AA. Archived from the original on 11 October 2023. Retrieved 10 October 2023.
  97. "Japan announces $4.46 million in quake aid to Afghanistan". Ariana News. 17 October 2023. Archived from the original on 18 October 2023. Retrieved 17 October 2023.
  98. primeminister.kz. "Қазақстан Ауғанстанға құтқарушылар мен гуманитарлық көмек жібереді" (in Kazakh). Archived from the original on 10 October 2023. Retrieved 9 October 2023.
  99. Қазақстан Республикасы Төтенше жағдайлар министрлігі (10 October 2023). "Қазақстан жер сілкінісінен зардап шеккен Ауғанстанға гуманитарлық жүк жіберді" (in Kazakh). Archived from the original on 11 October 2023. Retrieved 10 October 2023.
  100. Sakenova, Saniya (12 October 2023). "Kazakh Rescuers Clear Debris at 76 Sites in Aftermath of Afghanistan Earthquake". The Astana Times. Archived from the original on 13 October 2023. Retrieved 13 October 2023.
  101. Janob, Abdullo (22 January 2024). "Kyrgyzstan provides humanitarian aid to Afghanistan's earthquake victims". Trend News Agency. Retrieved 14 February 2024.
  102. "Pakistan to send relief items, rescue teams to Afghanistan as quake death toll passes 2,400". Arab News. 9 October 2023. Archived from the original on 9 October 2023. Retrieved 9 October 2023.
  103. Gul, Ayaz (12 October 2023). "Taliban Decline Pakistan's Quake-Related Aid Over Controversial Tweet". Voice of America. Archived from the original on 13 October 2023. Retrieved 14 October 2023.
  104. Rahmati, Fidel (30 November 2023). "Qatar provides urgent relief to Herat earthquake victims". Khaama Press. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
  105. Karokhail, Parwiz (9 October 2023). "First batch of Saudi aid reaches earthquake-stricken Afghanistan". Arab News. Retrieved 4 June 2024.
  106. Hamzah, Aqil (9 October 2023). "Singapore Red Cross to give over $68k to support quake victims in Afghanistan". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 10 October 2023. Retrieved 9 October 2023.
  107. "S. Korea to send US$1 mln in aid to quake-hit Afghanistan". Yonhap News Agency. 12 October 2023. Retrieved 31 October 2023.
  108. "Tajikistan sends aid to Herat earthquake victims". The Diplomatic Insight. 30 October 2023. Retrieved 31 October 2023.
  109. @MFATurkiye (8 October 2023). "Press Release Regarding the Earthquake in Afghanistan" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  110. "تورکیې په افغانستان کې زلزله ځپلو ته د مرستې لاس اوږد کړ" [Turkey extended a helping hand to the victims of the earthquake in Afghanistan.] (in Pashto). TRT Haber. 9 October 2023. Archived from the original on 11 October 2023. Retrieved 9 October 2023.
  111. Enes Calli, Muhammed (9 October 2023). "Türkiye sends relief goods to earthquake-hit Afghanistan". Anadolu Agency. Archived from the original on 11 October 2023. Retrieved 9 October 2023.
  112. Velhanov, Merdan (11 October 2023). "Turkmenistan sends humanitarian aid to quake-hit Afghanistan". Anadolu Agency. Archived from the original on 13 October 2023. Retrieved 12 October 2023.
  113. Rashidi, Zahra (15 October 2023). "امارات متحده عربی ۵۳ تُن مواد امدادی به هرات کمک کرد" [The United Arab Emirates donated 53 tons of relief materials to Herat] (in Persian). Khaama Press. Archived from the original on 16 October 2023. Retrieved 15 October 2023.
  114. Blinken, Antony (8 October 2023). "The United States is carefully tracking the impact of yesterday's earthquake in northwestern Afghanistan. Our humanitarian partners are responding with urgent aid in support of the people of Afghanistan" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  115. Psaledakis, Daphne (13 October 2023). "US to announce $12 million in aid for Afghanistan following earthquakes". Reuters. Archived from the original on 12 October 2023. Retrieved 13 October 2023.
  116. "Uzbekistan sends 100 tons of aid to earthquake-hit Afghanistan". Daryo. 10 October 2023. Retrieved 31 October 2023.
← Earthquakes in 2023 →
January
February
March
April
May
August
September
October
November
December
  • † indicates earthquake resulting in at least 30 deaths
  • ‡ indicates the deadliest earthquake of the year
  • Dates for all earthquakes are in UTC
Earthquakes in Afghanistan
20th century
21st century
Categories: