October 7, 2023: A magnitude 6.3 earthquake hit western Afghanistan on Saturday morning, the United States Geological Survey said, with the epicentre close to the city of Herat. At least 15 people have been killed and 78 rendered injured.
The US Geological Survey said the 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck about 40km from the western city of Herat, close to the border with Iran, at around 11:00 local time (06:30 GMT).
A number of buildings were damaged, trapping people under rubble, Afghan officials reportedly said.
At least three powerful tremors followed the initial earthquake.
Herat is located 120km east of the border with Iran and is considered the cultural capital of Afghanistan. An estimated 1.9 million people are believed to be living in the province, according to 2019 World Bank data.
