Taliban Confirms Over 2,200 Dead in Devastating Afghanistan Earthquake, International Aid Mobilized

Kokcha News Agency — A catastrophic 6.0 magnitude earthquake has struck eastern Afghanistan, leaving a trail of destruction in the provinces of Nangarhar, Laghman, and Kunar. The Taliban has confirmed that the death toll has surpassed 2,200, with 3,640 people injured, as rescue operations continue to search for survivors and provide aid to the affected communities.

The earthquake, which occurred on Thursday, has caused widespread devastation, with entire villages reduced to rubble. The Taliban’s spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, stated that rescue teams are working tirelessly to recover bodies and transport the injured to hospitals. Helicopters have been deployed to reach remote areas where roads have been blocked by landslides and debris.

International Aid Pours In

In response to the crisis, several countries and international organizations have pledged support:

• China has announced a $7.4 million aid package, including tents, food, and medical supplies.
• Pakistan has sent 105 tons of humanitarian assistance, including food, medicine, and blankets.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for $4 million in emergency funding to address the immediate medical needs of the affected population.

• The United Nations has allocated $5 million from its emergency fund to support relief efforts.

Other countries, including Turkey, Qatar, and Iran, have also pledged assistance, with India sending 1,000 tents and 15 tons of food supplies.

Healthcare Challenges for Women

Reports from the ground indicate that women in the affected areas are facing significant barriers to accessing healthcare. Due to Taliban restrictions on female healthcare workers, many women are unable to receive timely medical attention. In Kunar, only 67 women have been admitted to hospitals, compared to 182 men, despite reports of high numbers of female casualties.

Healthcare workers and local residents have expressed concerns that the lack of female medical staff is exacerbating the crisis, particularly for pregnant women and those in critical condition.

Widespread Destruction and Humanitarian Crisis

The earthquake has left approximately 84,000 people in need of urgent assistance, with 98% of homes in the affected areas either destroyed or severely damaged. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has described the humanitarian situation as “dire and deteriorating,” warning of severe shortages of food, medicine, and shelter.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported that landslides and blocked roads are hampering relief efforts, making it difficult to reach remote villages. Many families are spending nights in the open, fearing aftershocks.

Calls for Global Support

The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has called on the international community to provide urgent support to Afghanistan, describing the earthquake as a “crisis within a crisis” given the country’s existing humanitarian challenges.

Jan Egeland, Secretary-General of the Norwegian Refugee Council, has urged donors to step up their assistance, stating that Afghanistan cannot cope with a disaster of this magnitude on its own.

Local Efforts and Challenges

Local communities and Afghan organizations are also mobilizing to provide aid. Mirwais Azizi, a prominent Afghan businessman, has pledged 500 million Afghanis (approximately $6.5 million) to support relief efforts, significantly more than the 100 million Afghanis allocated by the Taliban government.

However, the lack of resources and logistical challenges are slowing down relief operations. The Taliban has established a special committee to coordinate aid distribution, but many international organizations are opting to work directly with local partners to ensure that assistance reaches those in need.

The earthquake has compounded Afghanistan’s existing humanitarian crisis, with millions already facing food insecurity and economic hardship. As the international community rallies to provide support, the focus remains on delivering urgent aid to the affected populations and addressing the long-term needs of the survivors.