Catastrophic rainfall intensifies hardships for Afghan earthquake victims
In the aftermath of the devastating 6.0 magnitude earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan on August 31, 2025, survivors are left grappling with the consequences. Kunar province, known for its forests, was one of the hardest hit areas, claiming over 2,200 lives and leaving thousands homeless.
Among the affected is Khan Zaman Hanafi, a 35-year-old farmer from the village of Shelt. Hanafi and his family are currently residing in a cornfield, their home destroyed in the quake. Tarpaulins salvaged from the rubble in Mazar Dara offer little protection from the rain, with many sporting holes and leaks.
The devastation in Shelt is significant, with 350 houses reduced to rubble. However, only 68 tents have been distributed, according to Hanafi, who has not received any. The homes in the affected villages, including Shelt, are built into the mountainsides, stacked one above another, making the task of rebuilding even more challenging.
The Taliban authorities have admitted they cannot handle the aftermath of the earthquake alone. Humanitarian aid and relief goods are being provided by various organisations, including UNICEF, Islamic Relief, the German Red Cross (DRK) in cooperation with the Afghan Red Crescent, and Johanniter Unfallhilfe. These organisations are delivering food, shelter materials, and supporting reconstruction efforts to assist those in need and help rebuild or repair homes following the earthquake.
However, the UN and NGOs are facing a sharp drop in international aid and the return of millions of migrants, making their resources overstretched. This has led to a slow pace in the distribution of aid and the rebuilding efforts.
The earthquake also claimed the life of six family members of Khan Saeed Deshmash, who was injured in the quake and flown by helicopter to a hospital in Jalalabad, the capital of neighboring Nangarhar province, along with a dozen injured relatives. Deshmash believes it's no longer possible to live in the affected villages due to aftershocks and destroyed houses. All of Deshmash's cows and sheep were also lost in the quake.
Downpours have occurred both last night and this morning, exacerbating the already dire situation. Around 85% of people in the country already live on a dollar a day according to the UN, making the lack of shelter and food even more concerning.
Despite the challenges, there is a desire for help among the survivors. Hanafi expresses a desire for the government and aid groups to help rebuild his home. Abdul Alam Nezami wants to stay in his village of Massoud, where he inherited his father's cornfields. Work is underway to clear blocked roads, but irrigation canals and water reservoirs also need to be rebuilt to prevent complete harvest loss.
In the face of adversity, the people of Kunar province are determined to rebuild and recover. The international community is urged to step up and provide the necessary aid to help them in their time of need.
Read also:
- Tough choices on August 13, 2025 for those born under Aquarius? Consider the advantages and disadvantages to gain guidance
- Perpetual Reason for Donning Sunglasses
- Criticisms levelled by a patient advocate towards MPK's judgement on PCR testing procedures
- Central Taiwan Discourse: Disputed Native History Claims by PRC
