Earthquake tragedy in Afghanistan escalates, leaves survivors amidst relief shortage
In the mountainous eastern regions of Afghanistan, two devastating earthquakes have struck this week, causing widespread destruction and displacement. The first earthquake, of magnitude 6, occurred on Sunday at a shallow depth of 10 km, making it one of Afghanistan's deadliest in recent years. A second earthquake, of magnitude 5.5, followed on Tuesday, causing panic and interrupting rescue efforts.
As a result of these earthquakes, up to 84,000 people are directly and indirectly affected. Thousands have been displaced, and numerous homes have been destroyed, with more than 6,700 homes confirmed destroyed according to authorities. Aalem Jan, a survivor from one of the affected villages, shared her harrowing experience, stating that everything she had was destroyed in the earthquake, including her house which collapsed, and all their belongings and possessions were lost.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified a funding gap of $3 million for essential medical supplies. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) states that humanitarian needs are rapidly growing, and the United Nations has warned that the death toll could rise as people are still trapped under rubble. The UN World Food Programme has funding and stocks to support survivors for only four more weeks.
The German Red Cross (DRK) and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) are actively engaged in collecting donations for medical care, food, and shelter for those affected by the earthquake in Afghanistan. The DRK is providing immediate relief and appeals for donations specifically under the keyword "Nothilfe Afghanistan," while UNHCR supports with cash aid, essential supplies, shelter, and rebuilding projects.
Jacopo Caridi of the Norwegian Refugee Council has called for donors to provide long-term support beyond life-saving relief, stating that Afghanistan cannot be left to face crises alone. The funding gap for essential medical supplies and the rapidly growing humanitarian needs highlight the urgent need for international support.
Search operations for survivors are ongoing in the quake-hit mountainous eastern areas, and the international community is urged to come together to provide aid and support to those affected by this disaster.
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