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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**Interview with Seismologist Dr. Elena Novikova on Recent Earthquake**
**Interviewer:** Good morning, Dr. Novikova. Thank you for joining us today. We want to discuss the recent earthquake that occurred early this morning. Can you tell us what we know about it so far?
**Dr. Novikova:** Good morning, and thank you for having me. Yes, we recorded an earthquake around 8 AM local time, which is 6:30 AM in Lithuania. The epicenter was located approximately 33 kilometers from the nearest town but we are still gathering specific data on the exact location and magnitude.
**Interviewer:** That’s fascinating. What can you tell us about the magnitude of the earthquake and its potential effects?
**Dr. Novikova:** While we are still assessing the data, initial reports suggest that it was a moderate earthquake. Typically, such quakes can cause some structural damage, depending on their depth and proximity to populated areas. We advise residents in the affected region to be cautious and stay informed about safety protocols.
**Interviewer:** Do we know if there have been any reports of injuries or significant damage?
**Dr. Novikova:** So far, we haven’t received any confirmed reports of injuries or major damage. However, it’s essential for local authorities to conduct thorough inspections and issue updates to the public. Residents should remain vigilant and prepared for aftershocks.
**Interviewer:** What steps should people take in the event of an aftershock?
**Dr. Novikova:** If people experience an aftershock, the best course of action is to drop, cover, and hold on until the shaking stops. They should also have an emergency kit ready and make a plan for communication with family members.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Novikova. Your insights are invaluable in understanding the situation. We hope for the safety of all affected residents.
**Dr. Novikova:** Thank you. It’s important to stay informed and prepared during these events.
