Strong aftershocks hit Afghanistan

Locals stay in open after deadly quake

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Two powerful aftershocks shook eastern Afghanistan in a span of 12 hours, the German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ) said, triggering fears of more deaths and destruction yesterday in a region where about 2,200 people died in quakes in four days.

Survivors in the earthquake-prone region are scrambling for basic amenities as the UN and other agencies warn of a critical need for funds, food, medical supplies and shelter, with the World Health Organization seeking funds of US$4 million (128 million baht).

The latest aftershocks follow two earthquakes that ravaged the South Asian nation, crushed by war, poverty and shrinking aid. The Taliban administration estimated 2,205 deaths and 3,640 injuries by Thursday.

A Reuters witness said continuous aftershocks hit the province of Nangarhar and details of the damage were still being collected.

Yesterday’s quake of 5.4 magnitude struck the southeast at a depth of 10km, GFZ said, hours after one late on Thursday night.