Devastating Earthquake Hits Eastern Afghanistan, Leaving Thousands Dead and Homeless

Kokcha News Agency: In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that rocked eastern Afghanistan, villages in Kunar are now filled with rows of freshly dug graves. The earthquake, which struck in the dead of night, brought down mud-brick homes, burying entire families under the rubble. In Kunar, the hardest-hit province, the poverty rate was already at 61.8%, according to the Ministry of Public Health, making the disaster even more catastrophic.

The lack of transportation infrastructure in this semi-mountainous region has severely hampered rescue efforts. In the village of Dewagal, Nasrullah, a government official, walked for six hours to help bury 41 bodies. He described scenes of utter devastation, with families wiped out and survivors left to fend for themselves.

In Nangarhar, Ziarat Gul, a 23-year-old, lost three children when his house collapsed. Survivors are now forced to sleep in the open as aftershocks continue to rattle the region. The Taliban government has reported over 1,400 deaths and 3,124 injuries, with the UN warning that the death toll could rise further.

Rescue efforts are being hindered by blocked roads due to landslides and mudslides, making it difficult for ambulances and rescue teams to reach the affected areas. The Taliban’s isolation and international sanctions have further complicated the situation, with few countries willing to send aid or rescue teams.

Despite these challenges, local volunteers like Emid from Herat and Ali Omar from Kabul have stepped up, traveling long distances to provide whatever assistance they can. However, the lack of international aid and the suspension of flights have left the country ill-equipped to handle the disaster.