Earthquake devastates Afghanistan, Aid Delivery Hampered by Challenges
A recent earthquake has struck Afghanistan, exacerbating the challenges faced by the Taliban administration already struggling with reduced foreign aid and a surge in returning refugees. the quake has impacted over 12,000 people, overwhelming the country’s fragile healthcare system and creating a reliance on external assistance.
Taliban soldiers have been deployed to the affected areas to provide security and assistance. National and international organizations are coordinating aid distribution, according to a statement by a government spokesperson, Mr.Ehsan. However, delivering aid is proving difficult due to damaged roads, ongoing aftershocks, and the remote locations of many affected villages.
Authorities and rescue teams are prioritizing the swift disposal of animal carcasses to prevent contamination of water resources. The region is prone to earthquakes due to its location where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates converge. This latest disaster follows a 6.1-magnitude earthquake in 2022 that killed 1,000 people, marking the first major natural disaster faced by the current Taliban government.
Concerns are mounting regarding access to aid for women and girls. Shahzad Jamil,Afghanistan Country Director for Concern Worldwide,highlighted the difficulties his organization faces due to Taliban restrictions and cultural norms. A shortage of female staff and limitations on direct engagement with women in the field are hindering needs assessments and perhaps limiting access to vital support.
“We cannot rule out the challenges” that could prevent Concern from reaching all women and girls in need,Jamil stated. He explained that it has become ”almost unachievable” for male staff to directly interview women and girls to understand their specific needs.
Beyond access, logistical challenges are severely impacting rescue efforts. Roads in the Kunar province, already in poor condition, have been further damaged by landslides, blocking access to remote areas. Jamil described the situation as “a disaster within a disaster,” emphasizing the desperate need for food and shelter among survivors. The influx of returning refugees from Pakistan is adding to the existing strain on resources.
Funding for Afghanistan is already severely depleted,leaving aid organizations struggling to prioritize needs. Jamil expressed skepticism about the prospect of increased funding, stating, “I’m not seeing or hearing anything that will be promising enough to deal with the magnitude of crisis within crisis that we are dealing with.” Despite these concerns, Concern Worldwide continues its work and advocacy efforts to address the urgent needs of the affected population.
