Afghanistan: Urgent action critical after devastating earthquake

10/08/2023 Herat, Afghanistan. Afghan men comb through the rubble to collect belongings and recover bodies in the aftermath of a devastating 6.3 magnitude earthquake in Herat, resulting in the loss of 2,000 lives and leaving 10,000 injured. Afghan mourners are seen covering a grave with soil following the funeral prayers for the victims of the earthquakes in Kashkak village, Zendeh Jan district of Herat province on October 8, 2023. The death toll from a series of earthquakes in western Afghanistan drastically increased on October 8, with the number surpassing 2,000, and nearly 10,000 people reported as injured. Rescue workers tirelessly searched through destroyed villages, hoping to find any signs of life. According to officials, more than 1,300 homes were demolished when a magnitude 6.3 earthquake, followed by eight strong aftershocks, struck remote areas located 30 kilometers (19 miles) northwest of the provincial capital of Herat.

Responding to the catastrophic earthquake that struck western province of Herat in Afghanistan over the weekend, Zaman Sultani, Amnesty International’s regional researcher for South Asia, said: “Amnesty International expresses our deepest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones in the devastating earthquake. “Amnesty International calls on the Taliban de facto authorities to attend … Continue reading Afghanistan: Urgent action critical after devastating earthquake