A 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan, claiming the lives of eight refugee family members on the outskirts of Kabul. Only a three-year-old boy survived, suffering injuries and currently hospitalized.
The family was among recent returnees from Iran, facing hardship amidst crackdowns on Afghan refugees. They lived in a tent beside neighbor Mohibullah Niazi’s home. Heavy rains had left the ground soft, and a wall collapsed during the quake, causing fatalities.
With the epicenter in the Hindu Kush mountain range, the quake highlights Afghanistan’s seismic vulnerability. Previous earthquakes have caused significant casualties and damage, pointing to the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness.
(With inputs from agencies.)