Earthquake destroys hundreds of houses in Badakhshan

FAIZABAD (Pajhwok): About 800 houses were completely or partially destroyed in last night’s earthquake and aftershocks in northeastern Badakhshan province, an official said on Monday.
Mawlawi Mohammad Akram Akbari, head of Natural Disasters Management Authority, told Pajhwok Afghan News aftershocks early this morning further damaged homes and properties in the province
He said the heaviest damage occurred in Chogani village and nearby areas, adding that assessment teams have been dispatched to evaluate the situation.
Meanwhile, Mawlawi Abdul Rashid Rashad, the Shahr-e-Buzurg district chief, explained about 800 houses were fully or partially damaged due to more than six aftershocks that followed the initial quake.
Local residents spent the night outdoors fearing further tremors, he added.
According to Rashad, damage assessment teams, including representatives from the Red Crescent Society, non-governmental organizations, and the provincial disaster management authority have been sent to the affected areas to assess losses and provide assistance.
hz/ma