Rescuers search for survivors in Afghanistan after earthquake increases death toll.
The United Nations has recently issued a grave warning regarding the rising casualties from a significant earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan, where the Taliban government reported that the death toll has now exceeded 1,400 individuals, with more than 3,000 others injured. This tragic incident primarily impacted the Kunar province, an area already facing numerous challenges.
The earthquake, which occurred on Sunday night and registered a magnitude of 6, has inflicted severe damage across several provinces. The tremor demolished entire villages and left many residents trapped beneath the remains of their homes, which were largely constructed from mud bricks and wood—materials that unfortunately succumbed to the force of the quake.
Rescue operations have been hindered by the region’s rugged terrain, prompting Taliban authorities to employ air support to evacuate the injured from inaccessible locations. They were forced to deploy commandos via helicopter airlift to deliver aid where traditional ground transport is not feasible. On Tuesday, a magnitude 5.2 aftershock struck near the earthquake’s epicenter, but there were no immediate reports of additional damage from this seismic event.
Indrika Ratwatte, the United Nations resident coordinator for Afghanistan, described the ongoing rescue efforts as a “race against time,” emphasizing the urgent need for assistance in reaching remote mountain communities. During a media briefing in Geneva, he poignantly reminded the global community that the people of Afghanistan currently endure multiple crises, asserting that the situation’s gravity could lead to an alarming increase in casualty figures.
He stated, “These are life-and-death decisions while we race against time to reach people,” reflecting the desperation of those affected and the pressing necessity for international support in this time of need.
This earthquake marks the third substantial seismic event since the Taliban assumed control in 2021 and adds to the difficulties faced by a nation grappling with diminished aid funding, economic instability, and the repatriation of millions of Afghan nationals from neighboring Iran and Pakistan. In light of these circumstances, the Taliban government has urgently sought assistance from the international community and humanitarian organizations, although aid remains sparse due to competing global crises and a decline in funding from donor nations.
The situation in Afghanistan calls for renewed attention and support from the international community, as countless lives are at stake in the aftermath of this catastrophic event.
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