Twin earthquakes in Afghanistan kills Dozens as many houses collapse: Report

On Monday afternoon, two earthquakes hit Afghanistan’s western Badghis province, near the Turkmenistan border, killing at least 26 people, according to a local official.

As the first rescuers arrived in some of the distant villages hit by the earthquakes in one of Afghanistan’s most destitute and undeveloped districts, there were worries that the death toll may increase much higher.

The earthquakes demolished hundreds of homes, according to Bas Mohammed Sarwari, chairman of the province’s Culture and Information Department.

A magnitude 5.3 earthquake struck at 2 p.m. local time, followed by a magnitude 4.9 earthquake at 4 p.m. local time, according to the USGS.

They hit Qala-e-Naw, the province capital, from 41 kilometers east and 50 kilometres south.

Residents evacuated their houses for safety, according to Mr Sarwari.

Mr Sarwari said the most powerful earthquakes struck Qadis district in the province’s southern corner, which saw the most damage and casualties.

He stated that just four villages had been heard from by evening.

“Tomorrow we have a plan to send rescue teams as well as assistance for the affected families,” he said.

The shocks were felt throughout the province, according to Mr Sarwari.

There were cracks in several residences in Qala-e-Naw, but no serious injuries or extensive damage was claimed.