A catastrophic earthquake has rocked western Afghanistan, inflicting severe damage on one of the country's most treasured Islamic landmarks - the famed Blue Mosque in Herat. The powerful tremors have left a trail of destruction across the region, with early reports indicating substantial structural harm to the historic site.
Architectural Treasure Under Threat
The 15th-century Blue Mosque, renowned for its intricate turquoise tilework and spiritual significance, has suffered considerable damage to its majestic domes and minarets. Local authorities and preservation experts are urgently assessing the full extent of the destruction to this UNESCO-recognised site of global cultural importance.
Rescue Operations Intensify
Emergency services are working tirelessly through rubble and debris across affected areas, with the death toll feared to be substantial. The earthquake's impact has been particularly severe in Herat province, where many buildings have collapsed entirely.
International Response Mobilises
Humanitarian organisations and neighbouring countries are coordinating relief efforts, though access remains challenging in the earthquake-stricken region. Medical teams and emergency supplies are being dispatched to assist the thousands affected by this natural disaster.
Historical Significance at Risk
The potential loss to Afghanistan's cultural heritage is immeasurable. The Blue Mosque has stood as a symbol of Islamic art and architecture for centuries, attracting pilgrims and tourists worldwide despite the country's ongoing challenges.
As aftershocks continue to rattle the region, the full human and cultural cost of this disaster is gradually emerging, marking one of Afghanistan's most significant seismic events in recent memory.
