Catastrophic Earthquake in Afghanistan Disproportionately Affecting Women Adversely

In the aftermath of a devastating earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan on September 1, the European Union (EU) has dispatched emergency aid to help those affected. The magnitude-6.0 earthquake, followed by a 5.2 aftershock, has left over 1,400 people dead and 3,120 injured, according to Taliban sources.

The crisis in Afghanistan, already severe, has been further exacerbated by the earthquake. Nearly 23 million people in the country were in urgent need of assistance before the disaster, and the Red Crescent estimates that over 8,000 homes were destroyed.

The EU has sent a humanitarian aid package of one million euros and 130 tons of relief goods, including tents, clothing, and medicine, to Afghanistan. This aid is intended to help those affected by the earthquake, but it is crucial to note that the crisis in Afghanistan has been ongoing for several decades due to conflict and political instability.

The aid package is not the first time the EU has offered assistance to Afghanistan. Between 2015 and 2025, the EU allocated €125 million to NGOs in Iran for Afghan migrant support. However, the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan was not caused by the earthquake alone.

The crisis is particularly challenging for women in Afghanistan. Many women are trapped under rubble due to laws preventing men from touching them. This has led to a grim practice where dead women's bodies are removed from the debris by grasping their clothing to avoid skin contact. In addition, freed women often face denial of medical care.

Rescue efforts are limited to a woman's husband, father, or brother. This restriction further complicates the rescue and relief efforts, as many families are left without these immediate male relatives due to the disaster.

The EU's aid package is a significant step towards providing much-needed relief to the people of Afghanistan. However, the crisis in the country is far from over, and ongoing support will be necessary to help Afghanistan rebuild and recover.

Catastrophic Earthquake in Afghanistan Disproportionately Affecting Women Adversely