In the aftermath of a devastating earthquake that struck Kunar province in southeast Afghanistan, entire villages have been reduced to rubble. The magnitude 6.0 tremor, which occurred over the weekend, has resulted in the tragic loss of more than 2,200 lives. Survivors are grappling with their grief and the harsh reality of starting over, having lost homes, family, and livestock.
Survivor Gul Rahim shared his heart-wrenching experience as he sat among the ruins of his home. He lost 63 family members, including his five-year-old daughter, Fatima, during the earthquake. “We were asleep at home when, at midnight, the earthquake struck. All the houses collapsed and everyone was screaming,” he recounted, his voice trembling with emotion. By the time he reached Fatima, she had already passed away. “She was my youngest and most beloved daughter,” Rahim added.
The destruction has been extensive, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting that as of September 3, 2023, at least 6,700 homes have been completely destroyed. The majority of victims lived in wood and mud-brick houses situated along steep river valleys in a region prone to seismic activity. As winter approaches, Rahim expressed his urgent need for proper shelter, saying, “What we need most are proper homes to survive the cold.”
Rescue Efforts Complicated by Aftershocks
Rescue operations in the affected areas are ongoing, but efforts are hampered by treacherous roads and continuous aftershocks. Al Jazeera correspondent Ali Hashem described the challenging journey to Kunar province, detailing the harrowing experience of navigating winding cliffside roads while aftershocks shook the ground. Despite rescue workers working tirelessly in search of survivors, hope is dwindling as many remain unaccounted for. “The official death toll isn’t final, with so many still missing,” Hashem noted.
Relief efforts face significant obstacles, including landslides and blocked access routes that hinder the delivery of essential aid. The WHO has issued a call for $4 million to support “life-saving health interventions” and to provide essential services including water, sanitation, and hygiene for the affected population. Volunteer Abdulrahman Sharafat emphasized the immediate needs of the survivors, highlighting the necessity of food, safety, and medical assistance for children.
Historical Context of Earthquakes in Afghanistan
Afghanistan’s geographical location makes it susceptible to powerful earthquakes, as it sits at the convergence of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. Just last year, a magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck the eastern provinces of Paktika, Paktia, Khost, and Nangarhar, resulting in approximately 1,000 deaths. In October 2023, another quake of similar magnitude occurred in the western province of Herat, claiming over 2,000 lives.
The recent disaster in Kunar province serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by communities in this volatile region. As survivors mourn their losses and face an uncertain future, the international community is urged to respond swiftly to their needs. The call for aid transcends borders, emphasizing the shared humanity that binds us all in times of crisis.