Badghis Shaken: A 5.6‑Magnitude Shake Leaves a Trail of Trouble
Just after noon on Monday, Jan 17, the western province of Badghis—nestled on the border with Turkmenistan—was rocked by a 5.6‑strength earthquake. The tremor hit the area at a depth of 30 km, sending shivers through brick homes and leaving many houses in heaps of rubble.
What the Local Authorities Are Saying
- Fatalities: 22 people lost their lives, including women and children. Five more were hurt.
- Damage: According to Mullah Janan Saeqe, head of the Emergency Operations Centre, more than 700 houses suffered damage.
- Medical Response: Big‑Healing Clinic in Badghis’ capital treated five injured patients, mostly with broken bones and fractures.
- Additional Hazards: Heavy rain has compounded the difficulties, making rescue operations tough.
Why This Is Not Just a Tiny Shake
Badghis is a mountainous province, so the quake’s aftershocks could set off landslides or trigger more damage. The Jihad fighters (misheard Taliban) have already moved into the most affected zones to help out, but the terrain is stubborn.
Looking Ahead
The authorities warn that the casualty count might climb higher as more of the province becomes accessible for rescue teams—and as the rains continue.
Stay tuned for updates, folks. If you’re in Badghis or planning to travel there, keep an eye on weather forecasts and stay safe.
