Earthquake damages 1000 homes in Badghis, says govt

QALA-I-NAW (Pajhwok):  The government on Tuesday said yesterday’s earthquake partially and completely damaged more than 1000 homes, directing the authorities to rescue those trapped beneath rubble and provide emergency relief to the survivors in western Badghis province.

More than two dozen people have been killed as a result of the earthquake in Badghis province, an official said on Tuesday.

Mohammad Saleh Purdil, administrative chief for Qadis district, said roofs of several houses collapsed due to the earthquake in the area. He said a number of people, including women and children, were killed in Monday’s temblor.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) said the epicentre of the quake –measuring 5.3 on the open-ended Richter scale — was in Qadis district.

The government in a statement said 22 people were killed, five others wounded and more than 800 homes destroyed partially and completely.

The statement said the government had directed the authorities concerned to provide medicines, food and non-food items to the victims as soon as possible. The government also urged the international community to assist survivors of the earthquake.

Purdil said the dead and wounded included five women and four children. He said the quake also affected the historic Jam Minaret.

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