Afghans continue to dig out the dead after quake kills over 2,000

Survivor says villagers don't need food, but shovels to excavate bodies

20231009 Afghan 1

A boy cries as he sits next to debris in the aftermath of an earthquake in the district of Zinda Jan, in Herat, Afghanistan, on Oct. 8. © Reuters

KHUDAI NOOR NASAR, Contributing writer

KABUL -- Noor Ahmad was busy Sunday digging out dead bodies after a powerful earthquake devastated Kushkak in a far-flung village in Herat province, Afghanistan. The 42-year-old says more than 375 people have been lost there, with more dead under rubble.

"Everyone was under the rubble and screaming for help when I arrived here," Noor told Nikkei Asia by phone. "I was busy to excavate other family members when I heard my son's screams for help. I told him, I can't help you, as I am busy to help others."

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