Afghanistan hit by second 6.3-magnitude earthquake in five days

North-western province of Herat, where thousands died in Saturday's quake, again at the epicentre

Afghanistan was rocked by a powerful earthquake on Wednesday morning – days after another quake in the same area killed thousands and flattened villages.

The latest 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck about 28km outside the city of Herat, capital of the north-western province of the same name, the US Geological Survey said.

Initial reports suggest nobody died in the incident, which occurred at about 5.10am local time, but dozens were injured and hundreds more homes damaged.

It triggered a landslide that blocked the main Herat-Torghondi highway, Information Ministry spokesman Abdul Wahid Rayan said.

Taliban officials said more than 2,000 died across Herat in Saturday's quake, which also measured at 6.3 magnitude.

They subsequently said thousands were killed and injured, but didn't give a breakdown of casualties.

People gather outside their homes after the US Geological Survey reported another earthquake in Herat, Afghanistan. EPA

A dog waits for its owners near a house that was destroyed by an earthquake. All those in the home in the Zenda Jan district in Herat province died. AP

A general view of a mass graveyard after earthquake in Nayeb Rafi village, Zendeh Jan district of Herat province. AFP

Afghan men carry a tent after the recent earthquake in the district of Zinda Jan, in Herat, Afghanistan. Reuters

Afghan children are pictured in the quake-hit area in the district of Zinda Jan, in Herat, Afghanistan. Reuters

Afghan residents clear debris of damaged houses after earthquake in Nayeb Rafi village, Zendeh Jan district of Herat province. AFP

A relative of earthquake victims faints after seeing dead bodies in Sia Ab village, Herat, Afghanistan. Mahab Azizi for The National

A Taliban government official arrives to attend funeral prayers. Mahab Azizi for The National

The earthquake destroyed much of Sia Ab village in Afghanistan. Mahab Azizi for The National

More than 2,000 people were killed in earthquakes in Afghanistan, the Taliban administration said. Mahab Azizi for The National

A man waits for aid to arrive in the Zinda Jan district of Herat, Afghanistan. EPA

Afghans pray for relatives at a burial site after an earthquake in Zenda Jan district, Afghanistan. AP

Afghan women mourn relatives killed in an earthquake in Herat province. AP

Hundreds of people were buried in a village in Zenda Jan district in Herat province. AP

Afghans dig a trench to bury the dead in the Zenda Jan district in Herat province. AP

Taliban fighters at the site of an earthquake in Herat province, Afghanistan. AP

Afghan men search for victims after the earthquake. AP

An earthquake survivor carries his child to a hospital in Herat. Reuters

An Afghan man in a hospital following an earthquake in Herat. Reuters

A survivor in Herat. The US Geological Survey said a series of earthquakes hit 35km north-west of the city, with one measuring 6.3 magnitude. Reuters

A man affected by an earthquake waits for aid in Herat. There is an urgent need for tents, medical supplies and food items. EPA

An Afghan survivor stands outside his collapsed house near Herat. EPA

An Afghan man, at his destroyed home, waits for aid in the Zinda Jan district of Herat. EPA

Survivors of the earthquake live in temporary shelters near Herat. EPA

An Afghan man sits in the courtyard of his destroyed home. AP

A damaged car after an earthquake in the Zenda Jan district in Herat province. AP

People salvage their belongings as they wait for relief near Herat. EPA

Afghan women mourn relatives killed in an earthquake at a burial site after an earthquake in Zenda Jan district in Herat province. AP

Afghan residents clear debris from a damaged house after an earthquake in the Sarbuland village of Zendeh Jan district in Herat province. AFP

Afghan residents sit at a damaged house after the earthquake. AFP

Afghan residents clear debris from a damaged house after an earthquake in the Sarbuland village of Zendeh Jan district. AFP

People wait for relief in Herat, Afghanistan, with rescue efforts continuing. EPA

People wait for relief in Herat, Afghanistan after a 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck. EPA

Afghan children rest under a blanket beside damaged houses after the earthquake. AFP

People affected by an earthquake wait for relief in Herat, Afghanistan. EPA

The 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck 40km west of Herat city. EPA

Saturday's epicentre was about 40km north-west of the city of Herat.

Several of the aftershocks were strong, including one on Monday that again caused the city's residents to rush out of their homes.

Nearly 2,000 houses in 20 villages were destroyed in Saturday's quake, the Taliban has said. The area has just one government-run hospital.

These earthquakes, together with the approach of winter, will exacerbate Afghanistan's existing challenges and make it even harder for people to meet basic needs, including adequate shelter, food and medicine, aid groups have warned.

UAE delivers support

The UAE on Tuesday sent an aircraft carrying 33 tonnes of food supplies to help those affected by Saturday's earthquake.

Aid was delivered through a number of Emirati humanitarian organisations, including the Emirates Red Crescent, the Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, and the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, in co-ordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“This urgent relief shipment of food supplies, sent as part of a collaboration between the UAE's humanitarian and charity organisations, is in line with our efforts to provide urgent supplies to other countries during times of crisis, especially natural disasters,” said Sultan Al Shamsi, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Development and International Organisations Affairs.

“Such crises result in significant shortages of food and medical supplies, and require a rapid response to support affected people, especially women, children and the elderly.”