Afghanistan earthquake: At least 320 people killed, says UN
At least 320 people have died in strong earthquakes which struck north western Aftghanistan on Saturday, according to United Nations.
Two 6.3-magnitude quakes struck an area 25 miles north west of the city of Herat, and were followed by four large aftershocks, the United States Geological Survey reported.
The USGS predicted “significant” possible fatalities, according to AFP. “Significant casualties are likely and the disaster is potentially widespread. Past events with this alert level have required a regional or national level response,” AFP said.
“We were in our offices and suddenly the building started shaking,” 45-year-old Herat resident Bashir Ahmad told Agence-France Presse. “Wall plasters started to fall down and the walls got cracks, some walls and parts of the building collapsed.”
“I am not able to contact my family, network connections are disconnected. I am too worried and scared, it was horrifying,” he said.
The country is frequently hit by earthquakes, especially in the Hindu Kush mountain range, which lies near the junction of the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates.
