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A 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit the western region in Afghanistan on 7 October 2023, affecting Herat Province, followed by a series of aftershocks until the morning of 8 October 2023. The epicenter was located 30km northeast of Zindajan district, Herat Province. At least 11,585 people (1,655 families) have been affected across Zindajan, Injil, Gulran, Kohsan, and Kushk districts. The Kushk, Naieb Rafi, and Sia Arab villages in Zindajan district have been heavily damaged.
By the time of reporting (as of 8 October, 19:00 pm), WHO reported 552 severe and critical cases referred to and admitted to seven hospitals in Herat City, in addition to 260 dead bodies. OCHA Afghanistan reported a total of 1,023 deaths and 1,663 injuries across 11 villages in Zindajan district, where 100 percent of homes were totally destroyed. The Ministry of Public Health reported more than 2500 deaths from the affected areas. While search and rescue operations remain ongoing, casualties in these areas have not yet been fully identified. An additional 516 people (203 men and 213 women) remain to be missing in Zindajan district.
Most of those injured are being treated in the Herat Regional Hospital located in Herat City, which serves as the main referral point for earthquake victims. Since the onset of the earthquake, a total of 552 people received treatment (81 men, 199 women, 229 children under five years of age, and 43 unknown), including those from Herat City and those transferred from the affected villages by aerial support. Almost 100 severe cases were referred to five private hospitals for further treatment. In addition, 260 deaths were received at the hospital.
An estimated 300 families (2,100 people) are reported to have been displaced. They temporarily stayed in shelters, with limited water and in congested space. The potential increase of infectious diseases in the aftermath of the earthquake is of concern considering the vulnerability of the affected people.
In coordination with the health authorities, the World Health Organization (WHO) and 19 Health Partners rapidly mobilized resources and extended immediate life-saving support for the affected population. Health Cluster has coordinated the response to leverage the efforts of the partners and the stakeholders.