Unimaginable Devastation: Afghanistan Earthquake Sends Shockwaves Across the Nation

International humanitarian organizations in Afghanistan are urgently dispatching assistance to the individuals who have survived the earthquake that occurred over the weekend in the western part of the country. This devastating earthquake, with a magnitude of 6.3, resulted in the unfortunate loss of more than 2,000 lives, and numerous others sustained injuries. These aid efforts are taking place in a nation already severely affected by the consequences of war and facing an ongoing economic crisis. Taking into consideration the magnitude of the earthquake and the current state of the country, this incident ranks as one of the most destructive earthquakes Afghanistan has experienced in recent years.

Images displayed extensive piles of wreckage and debris subsequent to the collapse of buildings. Furthermore, groups of survivors were observed congregating in the streets to secure their safety.

"The severity of the situation surpasses our initial expectations, as individuals in devastated villages persistently strive to extract survivors from beneath the rubble solely using their hands," stated Thamindri de Silva, the national director for World Vision Afghanistan.

Reinforcements from Kabul had arrived to provide assistance, de Silva stated. However, there was only one hospital available, which was overwhelmed with severe cases. Consequently, patients were being relocated to other private facilities within the city.

Despite our colleagues and their families trying to cope with this catastrophic event in their own communities, we are doing everything within our power to respond, de Silva expressed. It is crucial that people receive immediate medical attention, as well as access to water, food, shelter, and assistance to ensure their safety.

A badly destroyed house, one of thousands across Herat province in western Afghanistan.

The spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, Stéphane Dujarric, announced that UN agencies and partners are intensifying their emergency operations and dispatching additional teams to support ongoing humanitarian endeavors.

"We are working closely with the de facto authorities to promptly evaluate requirements and deliver immediate aid," stated Dujarric.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed solidarity on Sunday and urged the global community to unite and offer assistance to Afghans affected by the earthquake, many of whom were already facing challenges prior to this emergency," he further added.

UNICEF, the UN children's fund, has delivered 10,000 sets of hygiene kits, 5,000 family kits, 1,500 sets of winter clothes and blankets, 1,000 tarpaulins, and essential household items to support ongoing humanitarian operations. Additionally, teams are conducting further on-site evaluations and supplying emergency medication and tents to overwhelmed health clinics.

UNICEF teams on the ground are calling for more urgent action and aid for families devastated by the latest earthquake.

UNICEF

"We will make every effort to bring quick relief to those affected," said Fran Equiza, its representative in Afghanistan.

According to Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban spokesperson, the death toll currently stands at 2,053 people, with 1,240 people injured and 1,320 houses either completely or partially destroyed. However, there is concern that the number of casualties may increase. Afghanistan, known for being one of the poorest countries in Asia, has endured decades of devastating conflict.

The Taliban took control in August 2021, two decades after being removed by US forces. This resulted in numerous aid organizations and NGOs withdrawing, causing key aid initiatives to come to a halt. Moreover, Afghanistan faced increased isolation from the global community due to the Taliban's takeover, resulting in the United States and its allies ceasing international funding. This further damaged an already aid-dependent economy.

Regular earthquakes in the country continue to cause significant damage. In June of last year, an earthquake measuring 5.9 on the Richter scale hit the eastern provinces of Paktika and Khost, which share a border with Pakistan, resulting in the tragic loss of over a thousand lives.

In Zendeh Jan district of Herat province, Afghan residents are seen seated at a house that has been damaged following an earthquake on October 7, 2023. (Photo by Mohsen KARIMI / AFP) (Photo by MOHSEN KARIMI/AFP via Getty Images)

Mohsen Karimi/AFP/Getty Images

More than 2,000 people killed as earthquake strikes western Afghanistan

Recently, the World Bank issued a warning that a majority of Afghan households are currently experiencing significant difficulties in sustaining their livelihoods. This poses a formidable obstacle to the recovery of the Afghan population in the face of frequent earthquakes in the country.

As a result of the Taliban's takeover, international aid organizations have encountered severe hindrances in their ability to promptly respond to emergency calls during major calamities. Consequently, these organizations have urgently called for increased global aid, yet only a limited number of countries have publicly expressed their willingness to provide assistance.

China's foreign ministry released a statement on Sunday, expressing its commitment to support Afghanistan's disaster-relief initiatives based on the country's requirements. This report incorporates information from Masoud Popalzai's previous coverage.