Earthquake Devastates Afghan Communities, Leaving Thousands in Need

A series of earthquakes has struck Afghanistan, with the most recent tremors causing extensive destruction in Kunar Province. On Sunday, a powerful earthquake measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale hit the region, followed by a 5.2 magnitude quake on Tuesday that left local communities reeling. The tremors have resulted in at least 2,200 deaths and an estimated 3,600 injuries, with thousands more left homeless.

Witnesses describe harrowing scenes in the Devagal Valley, where the ground shook violently and rocks tumbled down the mountainside. Eyewitness accounts illustrate the panic that ensued as people scrambled for safety. “It was like something from a nightmare,” said one observer who was assessing the damage in the area. Fortunately, while the roar of the quake was deafening, those with him were shaken but unharmed.

Relief efforts are underway, but they face significant challenges. Many areas remain inaccessible due to landslides triggered by the earthquakes. Aid workers have resorted to walking for five to six hours to reach isolated villages. In some locations, only helicopter access is possible, severely limiting the delivery of essential supplies.

The impact of the earthquakes is profound. Survivors have reported losing family members trapped under collapsed homes, while others have seen their livelihoods destroyed. Livestock, a primary source of income for many families, has also been lost. The emotional toll on the community is palpable, with many experiencing severe trauma from the events.

Humanitarian organizations, such as Concern Worldwide, are mobilizing to provide assistance. The organization is releasing stocks of tents and other non-food items in response to the urgent needs of the displaced population. The living conditions for those who have sought refuge in makeshift camps are dire, with large groups of families crammed into tents without sanitation facilities. Many people lack basic clothing and footwear, amplifying their vulnerability in the harsh environment.

A sense of solidarity has emerged amidst the chaos. Local volunteers have stepped up to deliver food and supplies, including bread and cooked rice, despite the congestion on narrow roads hindering access for emergency vehicles. However, the continuous aftershocks and the looming winter, with temperatures expected to plunge as low as minus 15 degrees Celsius, are creating an urgent need for shelter and warm clothing.

The situation is compounded by ongoing challenges in Afghanistan, including severe drought and reduced international aid. The United Nations has reported that funding to support the population has been drastically cut, leaving many without the necessary resources for recovery. Additionally, the forced return of approximately 1.5 million Afghan refugees from neighboring countries in 2025 has further strained already limited resources.

The humanitarian crisis is exacerbated by the hesitancy of the international donor community to respond swiftly and generously to the needs of those affected. Shahzad Jamil, Country Director for Concern Worldwide in Afghanistan, emphasizes the urgency of the situation, calling for immediate support to help the devastated communities rebuild their lives.

As recovery efforts continue, the focus remains on providing essential assistance to those impacted by the earthquakes. The humanitarian community is working tirelessly to access affected areas and deliver much-needed supplies, but the scale of the disaster poses significant challenges that require a coordinated and robust response.