On October 8, local time, according to the Afghan Interim Government, the earthquake that occurred in the northwest of the country on the 7th has caused more than 2,000 deaths, nearly 10,000 injuries, and more than 1,000 houses destroyed.
According to the China Earthquake Network, two 6.2-magnitude earthquakes occurred in northwest Asia on the afternoon of the 7th, both with a focal depth of 10 kilometers.
Later on the 7th, the disaster management department of Herat province said that the earthquake had killed at least 120 people and injured about 1,000 others. The Ministry of National Disaster Management and Humanitarian Affairs of the Afghan interim government subsequently issued a statement saying that due to the disruption of communications in the affected areas, the department had not yet received relevant reports from the provinces of Badghis and Farah, and the number of casualties was expected to increase.
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The Ministry of National Disaster Management and Humanitarian Affairs of the Afghan Interim Government issued a statement on the 7th, saying that the earthquake caused a large number of house damage. Due to the disruption of communications in the affected areas, the department has not yet received reports from the provinces of Badghis and Farah, and the number of casualties is expected to increase.
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The head of the disaster management department in Herat province said 12 villages near the epicenter were completely destroyed and the number of casualties could continue to rise.
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Afghan interim government spokesman Mujahid said the Afghan interim government had instructed all relevant military and service organizations in the country to urgently go to the earthquake-stricken areas of Herat province to participate in the rescue. The Afghan Interim Administration will take urgent measures to provide shelter and food for the homeless, while the security services will mobilize all air and land installations to rescue those trapped under the rubble.
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Zahid: The epicenter of this seismic activity was also felt in the Sindajan district, 40 kilometers northwest of the city of Herat, in Farah and Badghis provinces. Herat residents said it was the first time they had experienced an earthquake of such magnitude and most ran out of their homes to take shelter on the streets. Afghanistan's interim administration, the Ministry of National Disaster Management and Humanitarian Affairs said it had sent rescue teams to the relevant areas.
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Atigula, a resident of Herat: When the earthquake struck on the morning of the 7th, we ran out of our home, we left our home and took refuge with relatives, the situation was very bad, I hope the government and international organizations can help the victims as soon as possible.
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Nesar Ahmed Elias, spokesman for the governor of Herat Province: On the morning of the 7th, a number of strong earthquakes occurred in Herat city and surrounding areas, due to the earthquake, our dear people lost their lives and suffered economic losses.
Foreign Ministry: No Chinese citizens were killed or injured in the earthquake
On October 8, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs answered a reporter's question on the earthquake in Afghanistan.
Q: According to reports, on October 7, local time, a 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck Herat Province in western Afghanistan, which has killed more than 2,000 people and injured nearly 10,000 people. Were any Chinese citizens killed or injured in the earthquake? Will China provide disaster relief assistance to Afghanistan?
A: The Chinese side notes that the earthquake in Herat, Afghanistan, has caused heavy casualties, expresses its deep condolences to the victims, and expresses sincere condolences to the families and injured of the victims. We believe that the Afghan people will be able to overcome the impact of the disaster and rebuild their homeland at an early date. China will provide disaster relief assistance within its capacity according to the needs of the Afghan side.
After verification by many parties, there are currently no casualties among Chinese citizens in the earthquake.
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Source: China News Service, CCTV News Client, Responsible Editor of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Website/Cai Lengyue Review/Yifan Producer/Zhifei