Afghanistan: Herat province turns into ‘tent city’ as fear of earthquakes haunts residents
Story highlights
According to health officials in the Taliban-ruled country, people have been suffering from trauma after a wave of earthquakes and aftershocks.
An earth-shattering spell of earthquakes in Afghanistan has forced residents to move to makeshift tents, with office buildings and mosques being deserted as people pray and plead to God for stopping the destruction.
Fearing the recurrence of natural disasters that have killed at least 1300 people in the country in recent days, people have resorted to living in the open.
According to health officials in the Taliban-ruled country, people have been suffering from trauma after the earthquakes took place.
trending now
)
Hamas-run govt says 700 Palestinians killed in 24 hours as Israel intensifies operations across Gaza
)
India state election results: PM Modi's BJP scores a sweeping 3/4 in crucial test before 2024 final
)
Morning brief: Ex-US ambassador to Bolivia arrested, and more
)
New York stabbing attack: Four killed in Queens neighbourhood as police shoots suspect dead
)
New Zealand on edge: Suspicious packages with fake baby covered in blood found outside US, Israeli embassies
)
This groundbreaking new drug is all set to increase life span of large dogs
)
US shoots down drones, assists multiple commercial vessels attacked in Red Sea by Yemen’s Houthis
)
Indian PM Modi hails four-state election results as victory of 'politics of development'
)
When Tom Hanks worked as Bellman and delivered a bag to Cher in her hotel room
)
CID star Dinesh Phadnis aka Fredericks is on ventilator support: Report
)
Taylor Swift, Simone Biles bring star-power to stand during Packers vs Chiefs
)
Telangana election results 2023: BRS concedes defeat, extends congratulations to Congress
)
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire trailer out! Titans team up to battle new monsterverse villain
)
Ranbir Kapoor's Animal is a massive hit, crosses Rs 200 crore mark worldwide
)
NY fashion designer Mrinalini Kumari who's dressed Beyonce wants Indian artisans to get the spotlight
“As most of the victims of the earthquake most likely have injuries, all the residents of Herat city are mentally affected,” said Qadim Muhammadi, a senior doctor in Herat’s provincial hospital.
Dozens of Herat citizens go to the hospital to get treatment because of anxiety and trauma, reported Tolo News.
The WHO has also acknowledged the widespread fear, with Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus saying that the Herat province had essentially become a “tent city.”
“Herat city has become a tent city, families are sleeping in open spaces in parks, in small tents, as they are afraid to be inside because of aftershocks and more earthquakes. The WHO Afghanistan team is supporting partners to set up health tents where people can get health care services,” he said.
Watch: Afghanistan earthquake: Local authorities say 2 killed, over 150 injured till now
With more and more families shifting to these temporary tents, life has become difficult for people, especially children who have gotten sick and attracted several diseases.
Afghanistan’s Herat province was rocked by three major earthquakes last week, with two 6.3 magnitude earthquakes striking Saturday (Oct 7) and another Wednesday morning (Oct 11).
Earthquakes have further exacerbated poor living conditions in the country, which has been reeling under an intense economic crisis especially after the Taliban took over.
Residents are complaining about worsening economic conditions and a severe lack of jobs.
“Yes, there is security now, but there are no jobs — and when there are no jobs, your life is hell,” Mohammad Mujib, a resident of Herat, was quoted as saying by New York Times.
(With inputs from agencies)
)
