At least 2,000 people have been killed and several thousand others injured in an earthquake and subsequent aftershocks in western Afghanistan, according to the Taliban*, the rulers of the war-torn country.
According to media reports, Mullah Janan Sayeeq, the spokesman for the Ministry of Disaster Management, has stated that the impact of the destructive earthquakes has resulted in a tragic loss of 2,053 lives, with 9,240 individuals sustaining injuries. In addition, the tremors have left a trail of destruction, damaging up to 1,329 houses.
The injured, mostly women and children, were being taken to nearby hospitals by locals and rescue workers, the reports said.
According to Dr. Danish, a health official involved in treating the injured, those who have been affected are currently being transported to military bases and other hospitals.
Earlier, Afghan officials wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, that an earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale struck 40 kilometres (25 miles) west of the city of Herat at around 11am local time.
Aftershocks of the deadly quake were felt in neighbouring areas of Badghis and Farah provinces, reports said.
Meanwhile, the UN has warned that the death toll could rise as search and rescue operations continue.
In the aftermath of the earthquake, survivors faced the challenge of searching for their beloved ones amidst a landscape of demolished buildings.
As per the reports, the current official death toll may appear low, yet it is anticipated to rise significantly due to the numerous individuals who are still unaccounted for. The injured and survivors are being urgently transported to nearby hospitals for immediate medical attention.
Afghanistan has a history of earthquakes. Last June, more than 1,000 people were killed in Paktika when a 5.9 magnitude quake struck the province.
* The Taliban is under UN sanctions for extremism.