More than 2,000 dead in Afghanistan due to earthquakes

The epicenter of the first earthquake was 30 kilometers northwest of the western city of Herat, the second largest city in Afghanistan. Authorities said the quakes, which lasted five hours, largely destroyed thirteen places. Rescue workers and volunteers were also searching for survivors under the rubble on Sunday.

The Afghan Red Crescent is in the earthquake area to provide assistance to the injured and is also setting up tents to provide temporary shelter for people. In addition, the relief organization is also bringing food, water, blankets and other supplies to northwest Afghanistan.

Cuts by the Taliban

The Afghan authorities are requesting assistance from the international community. The country’s health care system has been suffering from budget cuts since the Taliban came to power two years ago, and the international aid it relied on has largely stopped. According to relief organizations, residents can no longer go to hospitals.

Major earthquakes are more common in Afghanistan because many tectonic plates come together in the region. Last year, more than a thousand people were killed in a devastating earthquake.