A powerful earthquake of magnitude 6.3 struck western Afghanistan near the Iranian border on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of at least 120 people and injuring over 1,000.
The quake’s epicenter was located approximately 40km from the western city of Herat and struck at around 11:00 local time. Significant tremors were felt across several provinces in western Afghanistan, including Herat, Badghis, Farah, and Nimruz.
International media also reported that the seismic activity extended beyond Afghanistan’s borders. Tremors were felt in neighboring countries such as Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Iran.
Notably, this earthquake comes on the heels of another recent quake in Nepal, which had a magnitude of 6.2. That quake’s tremors reached as far as northern India. The U.S. Geological Survey identified its epicenter near the China-Nepal border, though information regarding casualties or property damage from that incident remains limited at this time.
Cities in northern India, including Lucknow and the capital, Delhi, also experienced tremors. Panic ensued in these densely populated areas, with residents and office workers quickly evacuating buildings.
Efforts are currently underway in Afghanistan to rescue and aid the quake victims.