-
At least 22 killed as twin earthquakes struck Afghanistan
The BBC reported that Afghan officials said, at least 22 people have been killed so far after back-to-back earthquakes struck the west of Afghanistan on Monday.
According to data from the US Geological Society (USGS), the 4.9 and 5.3 magnitude quakes affected the north-west province of Badghis, where it caused house and building collapses.
A spokesman told AFP four children were among those found dead in the rubble.
They added that more than 700 houses had been damaged.
Earthquakes can cause significant damage in Afghanistan, where many dwellings are not as stable or well-built.
The USGS captured two earthquakes on Monday, which hit about 50km (31mi) from Qala-e-Naw, the capital of the province.
The first quake hit in the afternoon, and the second followed about two hours later. Its impact was most felt in the Qadis and Mugr districts.
Taliban orders shop owners in western Afghanistan to behead mannequins
BBC Pashto reported that the Qadis district chief, Mohammad Saleh Purdil, said the quake had knocked down several houses and killed women and children.
He and other officials have warned the death toll could increase as rescuers sift through rubble in the remote region.
Badghis in the north-west, borders Turkmenistan. It is considered one of Afghanistan's most undeveloped and poorest regions.
Dozens of British Council teachers in Afghanistan still in hiding and 'terrified'
Impoverished Afghanistan is still struggling with a major debt burden and insufficient supplies, made worse after the Taliban's takeover in August.
Source: BBC
You May Also Like
Popular Posts
Caricature
Revolution against Iran a...
- September 20, 2024
Revolution against Iran and the face of the mullahs continues
opinion
Report
ads
Newsletter
Subscribe to our mailing list to get the new updates!