Increase in fatality count after earthquake in eastern Afghanistan reported by Taliban; aid organizations issue cautionary statement
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Afghanistan has been hit by another devastating earthquake, this time in the eastern part of the country. The 6.0 magnitude earthquake, which struck several provinces, including Kunar, has left over 2,205 people dead and at least 3,640 injured, according to the latest reports.
The disaster occurred near the Pakistan border and at around 11.47pm (8.17pm UK time) on Sunday. The majority of casualties have been in Kunar, a region known for its steep river valleys and high mountains, making relief efforts extremely challenging.
Tents have been set up for the displaced, and the delivery of first aid and emergency supplies is ongoing. According to Taliban spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat, rescue and search efforts are continuing. Aid workers, however, have reported walking for hours to reach villages cut off by landslides and rockfall.
The earthquake is the third to devastate Afghanistan since the Taliban seized power in 2021. The country is currently struggling with the impact of climate change, particularly drought, a weak economy, and the return of two million Afghans from neighboring countries.
The rough terrain is hindering relief efforts, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has stated that humanitarian needs are "vast and growing rapidly." In some of the worst-affected villages in Kunar province, two in three people had been killed or injured, while 98% of buildings were either destroyed or damaged by the tremors, according to an assessment by British-based charity Islamic Relief Worldwide.
The Norwegian Refugee Council, which has fewer than 450 employees in Afghanistan, urgently needs funding for emergency expenditures. They are facing a gap of 1.9 million dollars with only 100,000 dollars currently available. The UK has pledged £1m in emergency funding to be split between humanitarian agencies instead of the Taliban government.
In response to the tragedy, the Afghan air force moved more than 1,900 people in 155 flights over two days, and delivered 10,000kg of supplies across the region. The number of people directly and indirectly affected is estimated to be up to 84,000, with thousands displaced.
As the country grapples with yet another disaster, the international community is urged to provide immediate aid and funding to help Afghanistan recover and rebuild.
