Strong earthquake hits western Afghanistan following earlier deadly quake

The latest earthquake, measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale, occurred approximately 28 kilometers (17 miles) outside Herat, the capital of Herat province. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake had a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles).

The epicenter of Saturday's earthquake was located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) northwest of the provincial capital, and the region has experienced strong aftershocks, including another 6.3-magnitude tremor on the same day.

Afghan officials, who control the area, initially reported over 2,000 fatalities from the earlier quakes. However, they later revised their statement to indicate that the earthquakes had killed and injured thousands without providing a detailed breakdown of casualties.

As of now, information on casualties and damage resulting from the most recent earthquake is not immediately available from official sources. The aftermath of the earlier quakes has left villages in the dusty hills of the region reduced to rubble, with ongoing funeral ceremonies highlighting the widespread impact of the seismic events. (ILKHA)