A strong earthquake of 6.3 magnitude had hit western Afghanistan on Saturday claiming at least 15 lives. Reportedly, at least five powerful earthquakes struck the city around noon. Initial reports said that over 40 were injured after roofs and walls collapsed in many quake-affected areas. Authorities also said that the toll is likely to rise.
The United States Geological Survey reported that the epicentre of the quake was 40 km northwest of Herat province and was followed by an aftershock with a 5.5 magnitude.
A map posted on the USGS website indicates seven earthquakes in the region, including a magnitude 5.9 earthquake 35 kilometres (21.7 miles) north-northwest of Herat, a 6.3 magnitude earthquake 33 kilometres (20.5 miles) north-northeast of Zindah Jan and another 6.3 magnitude earthquake 29 kilometres (18 miles) north-northeast Zindah Jan, which is about 43 kilometres (26 miles) west of Herat city.
Telephone connections were down, causing difficulties in obtaining precise details from the impacted areas. Videos that went viral on the social media showed hundreds of people in the streets outside their homes and offices in Herat city.
Authorities are trying to assess the damage and rescue operations are ongoing in the quake-affected areas.
Afghanistan was hit with one of the deadliest quakes in June last year killing at least 1,000 people and injuring hundreds.
