Medical workers in Afghanistan grappling as three earthquakes strike in a six-day span

Nangarhar Regional Hospital Struggles to Cope with Earthquake Victims

The Nangarhar Regional Hospital in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, is currently overwhelmed with patients affected by this week's earthquakes. The hospital, which usually accommodates around 650 patients, is serving more due to the disaster, with over 950 patients seeking treatment and 180 medical procedures carried out so far.

The earthquakes have left a devastating impact on the country, with over 2,200 deaths and at least 3,640 injuries reported. Gul Rahman, a survivor of the disaster, recounts an enormous crashing sound and sudden pain in his head during the late hours of Sunday, when the ground started to shake in a remote mountainous area of Kunar province. Mr. Rahman, who lost 22 family members in the disaster, was treated for head injuries at the Nangarhar hospital.

Only three members of his family survived: his two toddler boys and a sister-in-law who suffered severe injuries. Mr. Rahman's sister-in-law underwent hip surgery, while he himself underwent neurosurgery.

Rescuers are just now reaching new villages and pulling people from under the rubble, but many earthquake victims have not been able to reach hospitals due to blocked roads and rugged mountain terrain. The hospital has resorted to setting up dozens of beds in hallways to accommodate the surge of patients.

The influx of patients and increase in surgery requirements have tested the center's capacity. Staff at the hospital are under immense strain and fear it will only get worse. Fahimullah Dilawar, the director and head of Nangarhar Regional Hospital, feels an extra responsibility to keep patients safe, especially in the women and children's ward, where Dil Jan, in charge of admissions, works tirelessly.

The journey to the hospital was treacherous for Mr. Rahman, as falling boulders coupled with darkness made it difficult on a largely unpaved road. Military helicopters sent by the Taliban authorities were unable to land in the mountainous terrain of Kunar.

Thousands of houses were destroyed in the earthquakes, leaving many people without a home or proper medical care. To focus on quake victims, the hospital has been forced to cancel all non-emergency procedures. The hospital continues to serve as a beacon of hope for those affected by the disaster, working tirelessly to provide care and support during these challenging times.

Medical workers in Afghanistan grappling as three earthquakes strike in a six-day span