In the regional capital of Herat people slept in public parks and streets, fearing further tremors. The US Geological Survey reported quakes yesterday of magnitude 5.9, 4.9 and 4.7 in rural areas.
Saturday's 6.3-magnitude quake followed by eight strong aftershocks - jolted remote areas near Herat, toppling homes and sending panicked city dwellers into the streets.
Afghanistan is already in the grip of a dire humanitarian crisis, with the widespread withdrawal of foreign aid after the Taliban's return to power in 2021 having had a severe impact on its healthcare system. The Taliban also have fractious relations with international aid organisations after banning women from working for the United Nations and NGOs.
"These past few days have been incredibly distressing. We've spent the last two nights in the desert, and more aftershocks keep occurring," said Shakib, a Herat resident. "My two-year-old son is unwell, and there's nowhere to take him for medical care."
This story is from the October 10, 2023 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 10, 2023 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
War Crimes France Says It Won't Arrest Netanyahu
The French government has claimed that Benjamin Netanyahu has immunity from arrest warrants issued by the international criminal court for war crimes on the grounds that Israel is not an ICC member.
Iran Sanctions 'Would Pose Risk To Nuclear Weapons Ban'
The nuclear debate inside Iran is likely to shift towards the possession of its own weapons if the west goes ahead with a threat to reimpose all UN sanctions, the country's foreign minister has said.
Police investigate more than 100 claims of rape and abuse by Fayed
Police believe Mohamed Al Fayed may have raped and abused more than 111 women over nearly four decades and that his youngest victim was just 13 years old.
I did not mean to make light of self-harm, says Guardiola
Pep Guardiola has said he did not intend to \"make light of the very serious issue of self-harm\" when he answered a question relating to a cut he made on his nose during Manchester City's 3-3 draw with Feyenoord.
Maeda saves point for Celtic after costly error by Carter-Vickers
There were spells in this game when Club Brugge resembled a reincarnation of 1970 Brazil. As Cameron Carter-Vickers bundled home an embarrassing own goal to send the Belgians in front, it looked a matter of how many they would choose to score.
Amorim: Rashford has to 'really want' to find form
Ruben Amorim believes Marcus Rashford has to \"really want it\" if the forward is to recapture his 30-goal Manchester United form of two seasons ago.
Mac Allister kickstarts Liverpool party to keep up perfect record
Arne Slot's Liverpool reboot has its latest dividend. His team continues to boast the only 100% record in the Champions League group stage and this was not just another victory, it was a swatting aside of the holders, a statement of intent.
Martínez reactions hold up Juve before Rogers denied at the last
Three minutes of second-half stoppage time had been and gone when Morgan Rogers thought he had snatched victory with surely the final kick.
FA investigates claims Coote discussed giving booking
The Football Association is investigating allegations that the referee David Coote discussed giving a yellow card before a game.
To see the impact the club has, it's really extraordinary
As they gear up for a famous night at Old Trafford, this is how Bodø/Glimt became one of Europe's big success stories
