Two powerful aftershocks struck eastern Afghanistan within 12 hours of each other, compounding the devastation of earthquakes that have so far killed approximately 2,200 people and left thousands without adequate shelter.
At a Glance
- Two strong aftershocks occurred within 12 hours, disrupting relief efforts and deepening fears of further destruction.
- Around 6,700 homes were destroyed, forcing survivors into tents or open lands due to continued tremors.
- Blocked roads, landslides, and rough terrain are impeding rescue efforts and access to remote areas.
- The World Health Organization warns of heightened risk of disease amid overcrowded shelters and poor sanitation.
- The United Nations plans an emergency funding appeal as relief funds trail relief needs, with only $10 million released so far.
Aftershocks Strike and Survivors Scatter
Around 2,205 people are estimated to have died and 3,640 were injured in two initial earthquakes—the first, a magnitude-6 tremor just before midnight on Sunday, followed by a magnitude-5.5 quake on Tuesday. Two additional aftershocks—of magnitudes 6.2 and 5.4—struck within a 12-hour window, further destabilizing already fragile structures and delaying rescue operations.
Watch now: Afghanistan Kunar quake survivors live in fear of aftershocks
With homes constructed of dry masonry, stone, and timber, many residents have refused to return to damaged houses, instead sleeping in tents or open-air settings. The persistent threat of further shaking has made these temporary shelters the lesser of two dangers.
Relief Efforts Thwarted by Terrain, Funding Gaps
Rescue and relief operations are struggling as landslides and debris continue to block access to villages in mountainous regions of Nangarhar and Kunar provinces. Rough terrain and damaged infrastructure are major hurdles to delivering emergency aid.
The WHO has issued a stark warning: a $4 million funding gap threatens to delay critical healthcare, disease surveillance, and shelter efforts. Overcrowded conditions, unsafe water, and inadequate waste management heighten the risk of disease outbreaks.
The United Nations has released $10 million in initial aid and is preparing a “flash appeal” to mobilize additional international funding. However, progress is slow amid ongoing global aid fatigue, particularly in the wake of Afghanistan’s political isolation since the Taliban’s rise to power in 2021.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
As the fallout from back-to-back disasters deepens, displaced populations—many recently deported from neighboring countries—face exacerbated vulnerabilities. Available resources are draining fast, and with winter approaching, time is running short for effective large-scale aid delivery.
Relief organizations are racing against the clock to mount a coordinated international response that can meet urgent needs: emergency shelter, clean water, medical care, and disease prevention. Without timely funding, these efforts may falter as new aftershocks continue to threaten already imperiled communities.
Sources
