Afghanistan: Hundreds dead and homes flattened in earthquakes
Two large earthquakes hit western Afghanistan four days apart, killing more than 1,300 people. The United Nations called it a “disaster on top of a disaster” in a nation still reeling from decades of war.
Both quakes struck close to the capital of Herat province, a barren landscape dotted with mud brick homes. Photographer Nava Jamshidi found whole villages flattened in some areas – survivors are mourning relatives and friends and many have lost homes and livestock.
Afghanistan has been hit by a series of quakes and aftershocks in the last five days – the worst was on Saturday when Zindajan district 40km (25 miles) from Herat was most seriously affected
A man sitting at a doorway – the only remaining piece of what used to be his home at a village called Siah Ab
People watch as rescue teams search for survivors under the rubble
Many survivors are staying outdoors in tents for fear of more aftershocks – this is reported to have reduced casualties in the second big quake on Wednesday as many people weren’t in their homes
People in this part of Afghanistan are poor and mostly rely on farming, but much of the livestock were also killed
This woman, who is three months pregnant, lost her husband and son
Villagers’ belongings uncovered in the rubble
Two girls search in the debris. The World Health Organization said women and children make up two-thirds of those killed and wounded, many with severe injuries. Many men were working outside when the quakes struck.
Rescue workers search for victims amid rubble of destroyed houses
What is left of a shelf of provisions – the recessed wall is all that remains of this house at Nayeb Rafi village
