UNFPA Afghanistan Situation Report (Herat Province) #1: 07-08 October 2023

On 7 October 2023, at approximately 11:03 a.m. local time, a seismic event of 6.3 magnitude occurred in the western region of Afghanistan. The earthquake epicenter was positioned 30 kilometers northeast of Zindajan District in Herat province, with a depth of 14 kilometers. Zindajan District is centrally within the province, about 45 kilometers from Herat City. Subsequently, Herat province experienced a series of eight aftershocks within a five-hour period, including tremors measuring 5.5 (at 11:19 a.m.), 6.3 (at 11:42 a.m.), and 5.9 (at 12:10 p.m.). Initial reports by OCHA indicate over 100 deaths and 500 injured, which are expected to rise in the coming days. A considerable number of houses have also been either destroyed or damaged, with at least 135 structures affected, according to reports.

The number of affected people stands at 4,200, including 1,400 internally displaced persons who have sought refuge in Herat City, where they are currently residing in abandoned buildings. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with concerns that more individuals might be trapped beneath collapsed structures.