A devastating earthquake struck Afghanistan on Sunday, claiming the lives of at least 1,411 people and injuring more than 3,124 others. Its epicenter was near the town of Luzon, and it occurred at a shallow depth of 8 kilometers. It focused mainly on the eastern provinces of Kunar and Nangarhar. Spokesman for the Taliban Zabihullah Mujahid acknowledged the heavy toll and widespread damage from the earthquake.
With 5,400 houses destroyed by the earthquake impact, thousands of Nepalese people are already homeless and vulnerable. In Morocco, rescue efforts are still ongoing. Officials are still working around the clock to get to those still trapped beneath the rubble and provide immediate assistance to those communities impacted.
Rescue Efforts Underway
These unfolding rescue operations are currently focused on the hardest-hit provinces of Kunar and Nangarhar. Ehsanullah Ehsan, a spokesperson for the Taliban, emphasized the urgency of their efforts, stating, “Our effort is to complete these operations as soon as possible and to begin distributing aid to the affected families.”
Getting to such remote villages is a challenge, which only adds to these efforts. Ehsan acknowledged, “We cannot accurately predict how many bodies might still be trapped under the rubble,” highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the full extent of casualties.
Following the quake, dozens of countries have offered assistance. Britain has pledged £1 million – nearly $2.56 million – to boost these efforts. These resources would further support the efforts already being undertaken by the United Nations and International Red Cross. India has been swift to respond, sending 1,000 tents to the affected area. On top of that, they’ve flown 15 tonnes of food to Kunar to help feed starving people there.
Humanitarian Response
The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan has been fragile after international partners have withdrawn their support through funding cuts. The decision made by former US President Donald Trump to reduce funding to the humanitarian arm USAID has severely impacted aid distribution capabilities. Indrika Ratwatte, the UN’s resident coordinator for Afghanistan, emphasized the dire circumstances faced by Afghans, stating, “We cannot afford to forget the people of Afghanistan who are facing multiple crises, multiple shocks, and the resilience of the communities has been saturated.”
Authorities continue to transfer some of the injured individuals to hospitals in Kabul and the adjacent province of Nangarhar for further medical assistance. The quick mobilization of neighboring countries and regional and international organizations will be vital to providing prompt assistance to the millions affected.
The Road Ahead
On the ground, rescue operations are moving ahead with urgency. We know that officials are working around the clock to reach the few remaining isolated rural villages as well. The urgent task at hand is making sure every survivor has access to food, water, sanitary supplies and medical attention in the shortest time possible.
China, United Arab Emirates, European Union, Pakistan and Iran all committed to funding on an international stage. The overwhelming majority of all this aid has not yet arrived. That urgency is only exacerbated as communities continue to deal with the fallout from this unprecedented and shocking disaster.
