Deteriorating Hopes Amidst Earthquake Aftermath in Afghanistan

Dwindling hopes for earthquake survivors in Afghanistan - Recovery Efforts Underway Following Earthquake in Afghanistan for Affected Residents

In the early hours of Monday, August 31, 2025, a magnitude 6.0 earthquake shook eastern Afghanistan near Jalalabad. The disaster has left more than 12,000 people directly affected and resulted in at least 1,411 deaths in Kunar province alone, as reported by the Taliban government.

The earthquake, followed by landslides and rockslides, has made many areas in the mountainous border region with Pakistan difficult to access. An aid team from Save the Children braved the challenging terrain, walking 20 kilometers on foot to reach villages cut off by the landslides.

Upon arrival, the team set up a small mobile clinic in the village of Masar Dara to provide emergency care. However, no tents have been set up for survivors, leaving them to sleep outdoors in the cold.

Women and girls, who are systematically discriminated against by the radical Islamic Taliban, are particularly vulnerable in this crisis. The Taliban government's defense ministry has organized 155 helicopter flights in two days to transport around 2,000 injured people and their relatives to hospitals.

In response to the disaster, the German Red Cross (DRK) has provided immediate relief support in eastern Afghanistan. The UN and affiliated organizations, including the World Health Organization, have delivered over 1,000 tons of emergency supplies such as tents, water containers, blankets, stoves, tarps, and solar lamps to support the affected populations.

Multiple international aid organizations, including Caritas International, have also sent food and rescue teams, despite access difficulties to many areas. The World Health Organization has stated that many people are still trapped in collapsed buildings, adding urgency to the relief efforts.

The situation in eastern Afghanistan is dire, but the international community is mobilizing to help those in need. With continued support and efforts, hope remains for a swift recovery and a brighter future for the affected populations.