At least 26 killed after shallow M5.3 earthquake hits Afghanistan during heavy rains

afghanistan-earthquake-casualties-january-17-2022

A shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M5.3 hit Qadis District of Badghis Province in western Afghanistan at 11:40 UTC on January 17, 2022. The agency is reporting a depth of 18.8 km (11.7 miles). EMSC is reporting M5.6 at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles).

The epicenter was located about 41 km (26 miles) E of Qala i Naw (population 9 000), 89 km (55 miles) SSW of Ghormach (population 30 000), and 143 km (80 miles) ENE of Herat (population 272 806), Afghanistan.

2 000 people are estimated to have felt strong shaking, 42 000 moderate, and 427 000 light.

Image credit: TW/SAM, Google

Image credit: TW/SAM, Google

Initial reports indicate that 26 people were killed and 4 injured, OCHA reports.

Hundreds of homes were damaged or destroyed.

Heavy rains in the area prior to the earthquake reportedly rendered mud-brick houses more vulnerable to damage.

People whose homes have been damaged or destroyed are being hosted by their relatives and other members of their communities. Preliminary reports indicate that food, shelter, and non-food items, and heating materials are most urgently needed.

Image credit: NASA/NOAA Suomi NPP/VIIRS, TW. Suomi NPP image acquired January 17, 2022

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google

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