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KABUL/MAZAR DARA, Afghanistan – Rescue workers on Thursday pulled bodies from the rubble of homes devastated by recent earthquakes in Afghanistan. The confirmed death toll has now climbed past 2,200, with thousands more injured. Homeless survivors face an uncertain future as global aid agencies warn of rapidly dwindling resources.
Search operations are ongoing in the mountainous eastern regions hit hard by the quakes,according to the Taliban management. The latest figures report 2,205 confirmed deaths and at least 3,640 injured.
- Devastating Earthquakes: Afghanistan has been struck by a series of earthquakes, resulting in over 2,200 deaths and 3,640 injuries.
- Widespread Destruction: Over 6,700 homes have been destroyed,leaving tens of thousands displaced and sheltering under trees.
- Humanitarian Crisis: Aid resources are critically strained, with urgent needs for medicine, food, and shelter. A $3 million funding gap exists for the WHO, and the WFP has supplies for only four more weeks.
- Compounding challenges: Afghanistan’s vulnerability is exacerbated by poverty, war, reduced aid, and the Taliban’s policies.
eastern Provinces Ravaged by Tremors
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The initial earthquake, a magnitude 6 tremor, struck on Sunday. It was one of Afghanistan’s deadliest in recent years, causing widespread damage in the provinces of Kunar and Nangarhar.The quake hit at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles).
A subsequent magnitude 5.5 quake on Tuesday intensified panic and complicated rescue efforts. It triggered rockslides, blocking roads to remote villages. Authorities report that over 6,700 homes have been destroyed.
The United Nations has cautioned that the death toll may still rise, with people believed to be trapped under debris. Time is running out for survivors.
- Over 2,200 people have died in Afghanistan’s recent earthquakes.
- more than 3,640 individuals have been injured.
- At least 6,700 homes have been destroyed.
- Aid resources are strained,with critical needs escalating.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
Humanitarian needs are described as “vast and growing rapidly,” according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent societies. Initial figures suggest up to 84,000 people are directly or indirectly affected, with thousands displaced.
In some of the hardest-hit villages in Kunar province, an assessment by Islamic Relief Worldwide indicated that two out of every three people were either killed or injured.An remarkable 98% of buildings suffered destruction or damage.
Survivors are desperately sifting through rubble, carrying bodies on stretchers, and digging graves with pickaxes as they await aid. Trucks carrying essential supplies like flour have been seen heading to remote villages. Commando forces have also been airdropped into areas inaccessible by helicopter.
Challenges Compound Recovery Efforts
Afghanistan’s homes,often constructed from dry masonry,stone,and timber,offer little protection against such seismic events.Many families are choosing to sleep outdoors due to continuing aftershocks.
The ground, already unstable from heavy rain, was further compromised by the quakes, according to the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
resources for rescue and relief are critically low in the nation of 42 million people,which has already endured decades of war,poverty,and reduced aid. harsh weather conditions present an additional burden.
The country’s isolation has been exacerbated by U.S. foreign aid cuts and donor concerns over the Taliban’s policies regarding women and aid workers.
The World Health Association has highlighted a $3 million funding gap, stressing the urgent need for medicines and trauma kits.The U.N.World Food Program has supplies to assist survivors for only about four more weeks,according to its country head,John Aylieff.
Jacopo Caridi of the Norwegian Refugee Council urged donors to look
