At least 14 people were killed and 78 injured in the earthquake in the western part of Afghanistan, according to the information of the country's government officials.
The US Geological Survey said the earthquake struck a 6.3 magnitude 6.3 km from the western city of Herat, near the Iranian border, at around 11:00 local time.
Afghan officials said several buildings were damaged, with people trapped under the rubble.
At least three powerful tremors were felt after the initial earthquake, Bashir Ahmed (45), a resident of Herat, told AFP, “We were in our office and suddenly the building started shaking. Plasters on the walls started falling down and cracks in the walls and some parts of the building collapsed.”
He added, “I can't communicate with my family, the network is disconnected. I'm very worried and scared. It was really a terrible experience.
A health official said more than 70 injured persons are being treated at the city's main hospital.
Herat is located 120 km east of the border with Iran and is considered the cultural capital of Afghanistan, according to the World Bank 2019 data, an estimated 1.9 million people are believed to be living in the province of Herat.
Source: BBC
