Devastating Earthquake in Afghanistan Leaves Over 2,000 Dead

The massive earthquake that struck western Afghanistan over the weekend has left over 2,000 people dead, according to reports.

The 6.3 magnitude earthquake, struck 25 miles west of Herat, Afghanistan's third-largest city, on Saturday, according to CNN.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mojahid said that the total number of people killed was 2,053, with over 1,200 more injured, according to the news outlet.

Rescue teams are in the Herat Province and food, water, medicine, and clothes have been sent to the disaster area, according to Mojahid.

It is feared that the death toll could continue to rise as rescue efforts are carried out.

A Herat resident named Naseema described panic throughout the city, as aftershocks followed the initial earthquake.

"People left their houses, we all are on the streets," she told Reuters.

Preliminary reports from the United Nations indicate that at least 600 families, consisting of 4,200 people, have been impacted by the earthquake. Among those affected are 1,400 internally displaced people.

Since the Taliban retook the country, two years ago, many international aid efforts have been stymied, leaving the medical system with limited funding. The International Committee of the Red Cross ceased its financial administration of 25 Afghan hospitals, in August, due to funding issues, according to Reuters.

Just last week, the World Bank issued a report describing Afghanistan as being in a state of "acute crisis" where the majority of families "face significant challenges in maintaining their livelihoods."

Due to its location, on rugged mountain terrain, Afghanistan's border frequently suffers deadly earthquakes. In June 2022, a 5.9 magnitude earthquake killed more than 1,000 people in eastern Afghanistan. A 5.6 magnitude quake struck a western province province, in January 2022, leaving more than 20 people dead.