Urgent: Afghanistan Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 2,200

UPDATE: The death toll from a devastating series of earthquakes in Afghanistan has tragically risen to 2,200, with reports of 3,600 injured as authorities scramble to provide aid and recover victims. The latest earthquake, measuring 6.2 magnitude, struck Nangarhar province on Tuesday, just two days after a 6.0 magnitude quake devastated the region.

Eyewitness accounts describe harrowing scenes in the affected areas. On Tuesday afternoon, a local journalist in the Devagal Valley witnessed chaos as panic erupted following the tremors. “It was like something from a nightmare,” he reported, as rocks and debris rained down, forcing locals to take cover. Fortunately, those with him emerged shaken but unharmed.

The aftermath of Sunday’s quake revealed widespread destruction. Survivors are grappling with immense loss, with many families mourning loved ones trapped under collapsed homes. “My three children were trapped in our damaged home for 12 hours,” one father recounted, his children visibly distressed. With homes destroyed and livestock lost—critical for their livelihood—residents face a grim reality.

Conditions for those displaced are dire. Makeshift camps, housing between 50 and 100 individuals, lack sanitation facilities, and many are without proper clothing or shoes. Local volunteers are doing their best to provide food, but the influx of aid is creating congestion on narrow roads, complicating access for emergency services.

The mountainous terrain poses significant challenges for aid workers. Many must walk for hours to reach isolated villages, while others can only be accessed by helicopter. Tragically, authorities report that in some areas, the number of deceased may exceed the number of survivors.

Concern Worldwide is responding by deploying tents and essential supplies, but the need for food, water, and shelter is urgent. As winter approaches, with temperatures dropping as low as minus 15 degrees Celsius, the race is on to secure adequate shelter for the displaced.

The humanitarian crisis is exacerbated by existing challenges in Afghanistan, including severe drought and dwindling international aid. Over 1.5 million people have returned to Afghanistan this year, many with nothing and no support network. The international community’s hesitancy to respond promptly adds to the urgency of the situation.

As rescue efforts continue, the situation remains critical. Aid organizations stress that immediate support is essential to prevent further loss of life and to provide for those in desperate need.

Stay tuned for more updates as this situation develops. Your awareness and support can help bring aid to those affected in Afghanistan.