The Taliban has urgently requested international aid as Afghanistan faces a catastrophic aftermath of a devastating earthquake that has claimed the lives of over 800 individuals and left thousands injured. The powerful 6.0 magnitude quake struck on Sunday, prompting rescuers to work tirelessly through the night on Monday to locate survivors amidst the destruction.
The earthquake, which occurred around midnight local time at a depth of 10 km (6 miles), predominantly impacted the eastern provinces of Kunar and Nangarhar. Many victims were trapped under the rubble of mud and stone homes, which are commonly found in the steep valleys of the region. Rescuers faced significant challenges reaching remote areas, hampered by rough mountainous terrain and adverse weather conditions.
The extent of the calamity was particularly severe in Kunar province, which borders Pakistan. Villagers mourned their dead, some of whom were children, wrapping them in white shrouds before burying them. Helicopters were deployed to transport the injured to hospitals, and as local resident Zafar Khan Gojar recounted, “The rooms and walls collapsed … killing some children and injuring others.” Gojar himself was evacuated from Nurgal to Jalalabad with a broken leg.
This natural disaster exacerbates the already dire situation for Afghanistan’s Taliban administration, which is facing multiple crises, including a significant decline in foreign aid and the deportation of hundreds of thousands of Afghans by neighboring countries. Sharafat Zaman, spokesperson for the health ministry in Kabul, emphasized the urgent need for international assistance, stating, “We need it because lots of people lost their lives and houses.”
According to Taliban administration spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, the earthquake has resulted in 812 confirmed deaths, with a notable number of fatalities reported in Kunar and Nangarhar. Students like Ziaul Haq Mohammadi, who experienced the quake while studying at home, described the terrifying ordeal of trying to stand amidst the tremors, leading to a night filled with fear of aftershocks.
Rescue teams are striving to access remote mountainous areas cut off from mobile networks, where many mudbrick homes crumbled during the earthquake. Kate Carey from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) highlighted the added danger of landslides due to heavy rains in the preceding days, complicating rescue operations as many roads became impassable.
Efforts to mitigate health risks are underway, with authorities working swiftly to dispose of animal carcasses that could contaminate local water resources. As rescue operations expand, casualty figures are expected to rise as teams reach more isolated locations. Abdul Maten Qanee, health ministry spokesperson, assured the public that all available teams have been mobilized to provide comprehensive assistance, including security, food, and medical support.
In light of this tragedy, various nations have begun mobilizing aid. The British government announced emergency funding of £1 million (approximately $1.35 million) to support those affected by the earthquake, ensuring that the aid is distributed through partners rather than the Taliban administration. This funding will be directed to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the International Red Cross (IFRC) for critical healthcare and emergency supplies.
China has also expressed its readiness to provide disaster relief assistance based on Afghanistan’s needs and capabilities. Meanwhile, India reported the delivery of 1,000 family tents to Kabul and plans to send 15 tonnes of food materials to Kunar, with additional relief materials scheduled to follow.
The United States has expressed condolences on social media for the loss of life but has not yet confirmed whether it will offer assistance. As the situation develops, the international community remains closely monitoring the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Afghanistan.
