Why in the News?

A shallow focus earthquake of 14 km depth with 6.3 magnitude struck about 40 kms northwest of Herat in Afghanistan that caused devastating impacts on life and property.

• The earthquake was a result of thrust faulting near the far western terminus of the Hindu Kush Mountain range.
• It was followed by another earthquake with 6.3 magnitude which occurred within the Eurasia plate in an intracontinental mountain belt.

Cause of a second quake:

1. Both the earthquakes were thrust faults, also called reverse faults which are a result of horizontal compressive stresses and so cause shortening of the crust.
2. In the thrust faults, one block or wall (the hanging wall) moves up relative to the other (called the footwall).
3. The second earthquake is referred to as a fresh quake and not an aftershock is because the magnitude of the first quake was not lesser than the magnitude of the main event.
4. This happens because release of stress in one fault results in the loading of stress at another fault which can result in another earthquake which can be of similar magnitude or even higher magnitude.
5. In subduction zones and in the Himalayas, including Afghanistan, where there is interaction between two continental plates, the fault lengths can be very large and wide.
6. Earthquakes are common in Afghanistan due to active interactions between 3 tectonic plates of the Arabia, Eurasia, and India plates.

Impact of Twins-Quake on Afghanistan?

Afghanistan will likely face significant long-term impacts from the two major earthquakes that hit the country in October 2023:

• The death toll has passed 1,000 people so far, with many more injured. Thousands of homes have been destroyed, leaving families displaced. This will worsen the humanitarian crisis.
• Infrastructure damage from the quakes, including roads, buildings, and bridges, will be costly to repair. Remote villages may struggle to receive aid and supplies.
• Access to healthcare will be impacted. Hospitals and clinics damaged or destroyed will hamper care for the injured. Medical facilities were already strained.
• Food insecurity could deepen in a country where malnutrition is a serious concern. Crops, food supplies, and storage facilities may be damaged.
• The economy will suffer setbacks. Ongoing recovery from decades of war is now further hampered, hitting productivity.
• Psychological trauma in the population will be widespread after two major seismic events. Mental health issues may linger.
• The ability of the Taliban government to respond and manage the crisis will be tested, revealing weaknesses. Their international isolation makes getting aid harder.
• Afghanistan's vulnerability to natural disasters like earthquakes will become more apparent. The country's infrastructure is outdated and fragile.
• Recovery and reconstruction needs could cost billions of dollars. But funding will be complex given sanctions on the Taliban regime. The crisis highlights the country's poverty.

Overall, the twin earthquakes are a major blow to Afghanistan as it struggles with political uncertainty and humanitarian needs. The road to rebuilding lives and communities will be extremely challenging.