Afghanistan's earth trembled once again. An earthquake of magnitude 4.8 was recorded on Thursday. Before this, a magnitude 6.0 earthquake on Sunday had caused immense devastation. So far, 1411 people have died and over 3250 are injured.
Earthquake in Afghanistan: Afghanistan has been experiencing continuous tremors for the past few days. According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), an earthquake of magnitude 4.8 occurred on Thursday morning at 10:40 AM. This tremor was recorded at a depth of 135 kilometers. Prior to this, an earthquake of magnitude 4.3 struck on Wednesday night, at a depth of only 10 kilometers.
On Tuesday, a magnitude 5.5 tremor hit the southeastern part, and on Sunday, a magnitude 6.0 earthquake was recorded in Jalalabad. Due to the continuous aftershocks, people are now afraid to even enter their homes.
Sunday's Biggest Tremor
The magnitude 6.0 earthquake on Sunday proved to be the most destructive. Most people were fast asleep at that time. The sudden shaking of the earth caused buildings to collapse instantly, and hundreds of people were buried under the debris. This is the reason why the death toll has been continuously rising.
Death and Destruction Toll
So far, 1411 people have lost their lives. The number of injured exceeds 3250. 1372 livestock have also perished. Thousands of homes have been destroyed, roads have cracked, and bridges have washed away. Relief and rescue teams are facing difficulties in reaching the affected areas due to landslides in the mountainous regions.
Why Shallow Earthquakes are Dangerous
Experts explain that shallow earthquakes, meaning those with less depth, are more dangerous than deep earthquakes. This is because the seismic waves reaching the surface are much faster. The ground shakes more violently, causing severe damage to buildings. Many tremors in Afghanistan occurred at shallow depths like 10 kilometers, exacerbating the damage.
Agencies Engaged in Relief and Rescue
According to a report by Khaama Press, the World Food Programme (WFP) has dispatched emergency aid to the provinces of Kunar and Nangarhar in Afghanistan. Initial aid includes food supplies and high-energy biscuits. Additional flights are being arranged to send more relief materials and personnel.
Harald Mannhardt, WFP's Regional Director, stated that the situation is dire. He said, "Homes have turned into rubble, roads are broken, there have been landslides everywhere, and thousands of people are homeless. Our teams are constantly engaged in rescue operations, but the needs are so immense that more help is required."
Difficulties Due to Continuous Aftershocks
Relief and rescue operations are not easy. Continuous aftershocks are occurring, increasing the risk of already weakened buildings collapsing further. Roads to many villages are broken. Helicopters are being used to access the mountainous regions.
India Sends Emergency Aid
India also stands with Afghanistan in this time of disaster. Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar informed that India has sent 21 tons of relief material to Kabul. This includes blankets, tents, hygiene kits, portable water purifiers, medicines, sleeping bags, kitchen items, generators, and other essential supplies.
This aid from India is crucial for Afghanistan, as hundreds of people have been left homeless and are in immediate need of shelter and food.
Scene of Devastation
The scenes from the earthquake-affected areas are heart-wrenching. Collapsed buildings, broken roads, and houses buried under debris are visible everywhere. Many people are still searching for their loved ones. Children and the elderly are being moved to safer locations.
