The earthquake occurred around 8 am. local time (6:30 a.m. Lithuanian time) 33 km from the city of Herat, the capital of the western province of the same name, USGS said.
A magnitude 5.5 aftershock occurred 20 minutes later, the USGS said.
On October 7, another 6.3-magnitude earthquake hit the same part of Herat and eight powerful aftershocks that destroyed many houses in rural areas, killing more than a thousand people and injuring hundreds.
A few days later, as thousands of terrified residents were left homeless and volunteers searched for survivors, another quake of the same magnitude killed one person and injured 130.
On Wednesday, UNICEF reported that more than 90 percent the people who died in the earthquakes were women and children.
“Women and children are often at home, taking care of the household and children, so they are most at risk when structures collapse,” said Siddig Ibrahim, an agency official based in Herat.
At least six villages in the rural Zenda Zhan district were completely destroyed, and more than 12,000 people were affected by the quake. people, the United Nations said.
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#6.3magnitude #earthquake #shook #Afghanistan
**Interview with Dr. Anna Karalis, Seismologist, on Recent Earthquake Near [Location]**
**Editor:** Good afternoon, Dr. Karalis. Thank you for joining us today. We want to discuss the recent earthquake that struck near [Location] early this morning. Can you provide us with the details of the earthquake’s magnitude and its significance?
**Dr. Karalis:** Good afternoon! Yes, the earthquake occurred at approximately 8 a.m. local time, which is 6:30 a.m. in Lithuania. It registered a magnitude of [insert magnitude]. Given its proximity—33 kilometers from urban centers—this event is significant as it could potentially affect a large number of residents.
**Editor:** What do we know about the depth of the earthquake, and how does that impact the level of shaking experienced in the area?
**Dr. Karalis:** The earthquake struck at a depth of [insert depth]. Generally, shallower earthquakes tend to cause more intense shaking at the surface. This is particularly concerning in densely populated areas where buildings may not be equipped to handle such tremors.
**Editor:** Have there been any reports of damage or casualties so far?
**Dr. Karalis:** As of now, we are still awaiting detailed reports from the affected areas. However, initial assessments suggest that there may be some structural damage, particularly in older buildings. It’s crucial for emergency services to conduct thorough evaluations.
**Editor:** What should residents in the affected area do to stay safe in the aftermath of the earthquake?
**Dr. Karalis:** After an earthquake, it’s important for residents to stay alert for aftershocks, which can occur in the following days or weeks. They should check their homes for damage, avoid using gas appliances, and stay tuned to local news for updates on safety advisories and emergency services.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Karalis, for sharing your insights with us today. We’ll continue to monitor the situation closely.
**Dr. Karalis:** Thank you for having me. Stay safe, everyone.