Elsewhere in Herat, grieving families are forced to dig graves for their loved ones lost in the tragedy. In the district of Zendah Jan, a sombre bulldozer clears the ground for a long row of graves. For many, the agony of searching for family members in the ruins is followed by the heart-wrenching task of burying them.

Across the landscape, once-vibrant villages now lie in ruins. Dusty hills bear witness to the destruction, with little remaining besides rubble and the solemn rituals of funerals. In some areas, survivors are a rarity, with most of the population succumbing to the quake.

The Afghan Taliban government's national disaster authority, represented by Janan Sayiq, reported that the earthquake caused thousands of deaths and injuries, though a detailed breakdown of casualties remains elusive. Previous estimates by Taliban officials put the death toll at over 2,000 in Herat alone.

The earthquake's epicentre was located approximately 40 kilometres (25 miles) northwest of Herat's provincial capital. A series of aftershocks, some of them strong, have continued to rattle the region, causing further distress among residents.

The United Nations has identified the Zendah Jan district as the hardest-hit area, with 1,294 deaths, 1,688 injuries, and 485 individuals, including 191 men and 294 women, reported missing. Additionally, six schools have been destroyed. The catastrophe has left nearly 2,000 houses in 20 villages reduced to rubble, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

Despite the dire situation, the global response has been sluggish. Concerns about dealing directly with the Taliban-led government, coupled with international focus on other conflicts, have hindered swift aid delivery. However, some nations like Pakistan and China have pledged support, and Afghans have initiated fundraising campaigns.