Kabul - Janan Saiq, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Disaster Management, informed that the devastating earthquake in Herat has resulted in a tragic loss of over 2,400 lives, with an additional 2,000 individuals sustaining injuries.

Saiq emphasized that the majority of the earthquake's victims were located in 13 villages within the Zinda Jan district of Herat. He reported that a staggering 1,320 houses had been completely demolished as a result of the seismic event.

Initially, the ministry's spokesperson had reported approximately 9,240 injuries, but later clarified that this figure was in error. He provided further details, stating, "Based on preliminary data, the earthquake unfortunately claimed numerous lives in 13 villages, including Naib Rafi, Karnil Wardaki, Panjab, Sarboland, Kashtak, Kajkal, Sia Aab, Aghzlak, Botan, Gharmoshak, Nawabad, Chashma-e-Ghori, and Naik."

The earthquake also took a toll on livestock in the affected area. However, due to ongoing challenges and the prioritization of rescue operations, precise figures regarding the impact on livestock remain unavailable. Saiq explained, "We were on-site to rescue those who lost their lives. Livestock was also affected by the earthquake. However, the deployment of Taliban personnel is pending, as our teams are fully engaged in rescue efforts."

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported a series of six earthquakes in western Afghanistan, with the largest registering a magnitude of 6.3. According to the USGS, the most recent earthquake, measuring 5.9 on the Richter scale, occurred at a depth of 7.7 km within the Zinda Jan district of Herat.

The seismic activity was also felt in neighboring provinces, including Farah and Badghis, as reported by local media outlets. In response to the disaster, the Ministry of Defense announced that it had dispatched a medical team to Herat to provide assistance and medical care to the injured individuals.