Afghanistan: Hundreds dead and homes flattened in earthquakes

Two large earthquakes hit western Afghanistan four days apart, killing more than 1,300 people. The United Nations called it a "disaster on top of a disaster" in a nation still reeling from decades of war.

Both quakes struck close to the capital of Herat province, a barren landscape dotted with mud brick homes. Photographer Nava Jamshidi found whole villages flattened in some areas - survivors are mourning relatives and friends and many have lost homes and livestock.

Image source, Nava Jamshidi

Image caption, Afghanistan has been hit by a series of quakes and aftershocks in the last five days - the worst was on Saturday when Zindajan district 40km (25 miles) from Herat was most seriously affected

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Image source, Nava Jamshidi

Image caption, A man sitting at a doorway - the only remaining piece of what used to be his home at a village called Siah Ab

Image source, Nava Jamshidi

Image caption, People watch as rescue teams search for survivors under the rubble

Image source, Nava Jamshidi

Image caption, Many survivors are staying outdoors in tents for fear of more aftershocks - this is reported to have reduced casualties in the second big quake on Wednesday as many people weren't in their homes

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Image source, Nava Jamshidi

Image caption, People in this part of Afghanistan are poor and mostly rely on farming, but much of the livestock were also killed

Image source, Nava Jamshidi

Image caption, This woman, who is three months pregnant, lost her husband and son

Image source, Nava Jamshidi

Image caption, Villagers' belongings uncovered in the rubble

Image source, Nava Jamshidi

Image caption, Two girls search in the debris. The World Health Organization said women and children make up two-thirds of those killed and wounded, many with severe injuries. Many men were working outside when the quakes struck.

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Image source, Nava Jamshidi

Image caption, Rescue workers search for victims amid rubble of destroyed houses

Image source, Nava Jamshidi

Image caption, What is left of a shelf of provisions - the recessed wall is all that remains of this house at Nayeb Rafi village

All photos copyright Nava Jamshidi