More than 2,000 people have been killed after a magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck Afghanistan, the Taliban government said on Sunday Oct. 8.
An Afghan man walks through the rubble after a massive 6.3 magnitude earthquake strikes the city of Herat. (Photo by MUHAMMAD BALABULUKI/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images)
If the death toll is confirmed, it would be one of the deadliest earthquakes to hit Afghanistan in 20 years.
Survivors grieve the loss of loved ones after powerful earthquakes destroy buildings and kill over 2000, at Kashkak Village of Zendeh Jan district in Herat, Afghanistan. (Photo by Mirwais Amir/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
The earthquake struck on Saturday Oct. 7, with an epicenter about 35 kilometers northwest of the city of Herat.
It was followed by multiple strong aftershocks.
Cracked walls and rubble are seen in a house in Herat after a massive 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck the city, resulting in thousands of injuries and fatalities. (Photo by MUHAMMAD BALABULUKI/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images)
The quakes flattened entire villages and crumbled buildings, trapping people underneath, as others tried to dig out survivors with their hands.
Afghans excavate the ruins of demolished buildings to recover bodies after the massive 6.3 magnitude earthquake hits the city of Herat. (Photo by MUHAMMAD BALABULUKI/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images)
Taliban officials also said an additional 1,240 people were injured and 1,320 houses were completely destroyed.
Survivors grieve the loss of loved ones after powerful earthquakes destroy buildings and kill over 2000, at Kashkak Village of Zendeh Jan district in Herat, Afghanistan. (Photo by Mirwais Amir/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
A Taliban spokesperson said the country was in urgent need of aid such as tents, as well as medical and food times.
A door is all that remains of a building in Herat after the massive earthquake, leaving the city and the houses in ruins. (Photo by MUHAMMAD BALABULUKI/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images)
The military and non-profit organizations including the United Nations and the Red Cross have been helping with rescue efforts.
An Afghan family gathers their remaining belongings after a massive 6.3 magnitude earthquake strikes the city of Herat. (Photo by MUHAMMAD BALABULUKI/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images)
However, but only a handful of countries have publicly offered support, AP reported, as much of the world is wary of dealing with the Taliban and focused on the current conflict in Israel and Gaza.
A man carries a deceased child after powerful earthquakes destroy buildings and kill over 2000 including children and toddlers, at Kashkak Village of Zendeh Jan district in Herat, Afghanistan. (Photo by Mirwais Amir/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
The International Rescue Committee has warned that the death toll could keep rising as lack of rescue equipment means trapped survivors cannot be rescued.
Ruins and rubble from demolished houses are seen in the city of Herat after a massive 6.3 magnitude earthquake, resulting in thousands of injuries and fatalities. (Photo by MUHAMMAD BALABULUKI/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images)
There are also concerns that the injured will not be able to receive treatment due to poor medical infrastructure, as well as a lack of food, shelter and clean water.
