Kokcha News Agency – A powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquake has severely impacted northern Afghanistan, particularly Balkh and Samangan provinces, causing widespread destruction, casualties, and a growing humanitarian crisis. Official reports confirm at least 26 deaths and over 1,170 injuries, with more than 1,300 homes destroyed.
Critically, residents in hard-hit areas like Dar-e-Suf Payan district accuse Taliban officials and international aid groups of unfair, ethnically biased aid distribution. Uzbek-majority communities claim they have been largely ignored, with only two organizations conducting assessments and no tangible aid delivered. In contrast, areas like Tashkurgan have received support from over ten agencies.
A Taliban-appointed local official in Samangan confirmed these disparities, noting that injured individuals lack funds for medical treatment and rely on community donations. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 21 healthcare facilities have been damaged, including Samangan Provincial Hospital, exacerbating the medical crisis. A shortage of female health workers further limits access to care for women and girls.
The WHO and partner agencies have deployed emergency response teams to provide trauma care, relief supplies, and psychosocial support. However, aftershocks and logistical challenges hamper efforts. The Taliban have been accused of diverting aid to favor Pashtun communities over ethnic minorities such as Hazaras and Tajiks, as highlighted in a recent U.S. SIGAR report.
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