Magnitude 6.0 earthquake shakes southeastern Afghanistan, injuring at least 23

Afghan residents walk through Chahak village after earthquake in Herat province, October 11, 2023
Reuters

A magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck southeastern Afghanistan near the Pakistan border late Sunday, injuring at least 23 people, according to officials.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported the earthquake struck at 11:47 p.m. local time (1917 GMT), centered 27 kilometers (16.7 miles) east-northeast of Jalalabad at a depth of 8 kilometers (5 miles).The Nangarhar Public Health Directorate said the injured were taken to a regional hospital for treatment.

A second tremor measuring 4.5 magnitude hit the same area 21 minutes later, with a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), USGS confirmed. 

Seismologists say the region’s mountainous terrain and vulnerable infrastructure increase the risk of casualties in strong quakes. Authorities continue monitoring seismic activity and advise residents to remain alert for aftershocks.

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