Deadly 6.3 Earthquake Strikes Eastern Afghanistan: Human Tragedy, Regional Solidarity, and U.S. Silence

Kokcha News Agency: In the evening of September 9, 2024, a 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan, severely impacting Kunar and Nangarhar provinces. Areas like Nurgal, Watapur, Manugi, and Chapadara were the hardest hit, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting over 3,000 fatalities, 4,000 injuries, and widespread displacement. The disaster has exposed the country’s fragile political, social, and economic infrastructure, with rugged terrain and poor infrastructure complicating rescue and recovery efforts.

Women and girls, particularly in areas lacking female medical professionals, face significant barriers to accessing healthcare, prompting WHO to call for urgent action to address structural and cultural obstacles.

In response, Afghan citizens displayed remarkable national unity, mobilizing across ethnic and religious divides to provide aid. Civil society organizations and youth groups played a key role in distributing resources fairly.

Internationally, organizations like the UN, Red Cross, and UNICEF launched extensive relief operations. Iran was among the first to respond, sending 80 tons of food and medical supplies, followed by additional aid, including tents and medical teams. Pakistan, India, and China also contributed significantly, with Pakistan sending 105 tons of aid through the Torkham border crossing, India providing 1,000 tents and 21 tons of relief materials, and China offering $40,000 in cash and two trucks of essential supplies.

However, the U.S. has remained largely silent, offering only verbal condolences and no tangible aid. This stands in stark contrast to its previous role as a major supporter of Afghanistan, raising questions about its current humanitarian priorities.