Race against time to find earthquake victims in Afghanistan

Local media reported that the death toll had risen to 2,400 people and more than 2,000 were injured. A spokesman for the Afghan Taliban said 35 relief teams totaling 1,000 people had been sent to assist in search and rescue efforts in the quake-hit areas. Spokesman Janan Saiq said that aftershocks could occur in some western provinces, especially Badghis and Herat, in the coming days.

In Herat province, search and rescue volunteers have been working tirelessly in the hope of finding survivors since the 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck on October 7, followed by a series of strong aftershocks. Aftershocks continued to shake the area on October 9.

In the village of Nayeb Rafi, once home to 2,000 people, some families have been left without survivors. Local television station Tolo News quoted locals as saying that about 80% of the residents died in the earthquake.

Meanwhile, in the nearby Siah Ab area, a mass funeral was held on the same day for over 300 ill-fated victims.

The World Health Organization said more than 11,000 people in 1,655 families were affected by the earthquake. Observers said that as winter approaches, providing shelter for people will be a major challenge for the Taliban government in Afghanistan.