4.7 magnitude earthquake shakes Kandahar and surrounding areas

The National Disaster Management Authority reported on Saturday, December 28 that a 4.7 magnitude earthquake struck Kandahar province and its surrounding areas last night at around 3:09 AM.

The authority stated that the epicenter of the earthquake was located 41 kilometers northeast of Spin Boldak district, at a depth of 10 kilometers beneath the earth’s surface.

The Kandahar Provincial Disaster Management Authority reported that there were no casualties or significant damage in the city center or nearby areas.

However, the authority noted that investigations were still ongoing in Spin Boldak, Shorabak, and Maiwand districts, and no precise information about the extent of potential damage in these areas was available. A final report will be released once the assessments are completed.

Meanwhile, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) also confirmed that a 4.7 magnitude earthquake struck Kandahar last night.

In addition to Kandahar, some areas across the Durand Line were also affected by the earthquake.

Recently, various regions of Afghanistan have experienced several earthquakes. Last year, a 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck Herat city, with its epicenter in the Zinda Jan district of Herat province, resulting in hundreds of casualties.

Similarly, in Paktika and Paktia provinces, earthquakes last year caused significant loss of life and property.

While there were no major casualties reported in Kandahar city and its immediate surroundings, the situation remains under investigation in more affected districts. The potential for damage, especially in rural areas, is still being assessed. Given Afghanistan’s vulnerability to earthquakes, continuous monitoring and preparedness efforts are critical to mitigate further risks.

The recurring earthquakes in Afghanistan highlight the need for improved disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience. It is crucial for the authorities and international organizations to focus on disaster response capabilities, support the affected communities, and provide timely assistance in the aftermath of such natural disasters.

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