Emergency responders hurry to Access Remote Afghan Villages

In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that struck Afghanistan, various international and national organizations have mobilized to provide relief to the affected communities.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) are among the organizations that have announced their plans to send essential supplies such as medicines, warm clothing, tents, tarpaulins, and hygiene facilities. The ICRC's assistance is intended to support those affected by the disaster, while UNICEF's focus is on addressing urgent needs in health, safe water, sanitation, nutrition, child protection, temporary shelter, and psychosocial support.

However, gaining access to the affected areas, particularly the narrow mountain roads, remains a significant challenge, according to local officials. Ehsan, the provincial head of disaster management, stated that efforts are being focused on reaching more remote mountain areas. He also mentioned that mountainous terrain and inclement weather have hindered rescuers reaching remote areas along the Pakistani border.

The pre-earthquake fragility of the health system in Afghanistan means local capacity is overwhelmed, creating total dependence on external actors, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO also stated that damaged roads, ongoing aftershocks, and remote locations of many villages severely impede the delivery of aid.

Despite these challenges, aid is being distributed in an orderly manner, according to Ehsan. A line of ambulances was trying to reach Kunar villages yesterday, as helicopters flew in, bringing aid supplies and taking the injured to hospitals. Machinery is being brought in to clear roads of debris.

Rescue operations were carried out in four villages in Kunar on Monday after the quake struck. The disaster has claimed the lives of 1,124 people, according to the Afghan Red Crescent Society, and more than 8,000 houses have been destroyed.

The Taliban administration in Afghanistan is already grappling with a sharp drop in foreign aid and deportations of hundreds of thousands of Afghans by neighboring nations. The earthquake disaster has further stretched the administration's resources. Taliban soldiers have been deployed in the affected area to provide help and security.

Thousands of children are at risk in the aftermath of the earthquake, according to UNICEF. Rescue teams and authorities are trying to dispose of animal carcasses quickly to minimize the risk of contamination to water resources.

As the relief efforts continue, it is hoped that the international community will continue to support Afghanistan in its time of need.