Afghan Earthquake Survivors Urgently Seek Assistance for Reconstruction

Introduction

On August 31, a devastating earthquake struck the Diwa Gul Valley in Afghanistan, affecting the lives of thousands and leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The magnitude 6 quake resulted in the collapse of over 5,000 homes and claimed the lives of at least 2,200 individuals, according to official reports. The United Nations estimates that around half a million people have been impacted by this disaster, prompting urgent calls for aid and support from both the Afghan government and the international community.

The Immediate Aftermath

In the village of Andarlachak, the tremors of the earthquake reverberated long after the initial shock. Residents found their homes reduced to rubble, and many are now living in makeshift tents, facing the harsh realities of an uncertain future. “A human cannot live there any more,” lamented one villager, emphasizing the dire conditions that have left families displaced and vulnerable. As winter approaches, the urgency for assistance grows; tents offer little protection against the cold, and the survivors are left questioning how they will keep warm.

Government Response

Najibullah Haqqani, the provincial director for the Ministry of Information and Culture in Kunar, outlined the government’s three-phase plan to address the crisis. This plan includes evacuating those at risk, providing immediate food, shelter, and medical care in temporary camps, and eventually assisting families in rebuilding or finding permanent housing. “We cannot rebuild on our own. We are all poor farmers,” pleaded one villager, highlighting the pressing need for external support in the reconstruction efforts.

Authorities are mobilizing resources to aid the affected regions. Trucks that were left behind by U.S. military forces during their rapid withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 are now being repurposed to transport supplies from a converted U.S. base in Khas Kunar, which has become a government coordination center for relief efforts.

Life After the Quake

The impact of the earthquake has been profound, with survivors like Abdul Wahid, a 33-year-old English teacher, expressing the gravity of their situation. “Our houses now have huge cracks or collapsed walls. We can’t stay in our homes,” he said, noting that all the houses in his community are uninhabitable. Many residents have relocated to various camps throughout the valley, seeking safety and shelter.

The earthquake has not only destroyed homes but has also disrupted lives that were already challenging. For instance, Mohamed Khader, a resident of Aireth—a mountain village in Nurgal—had to walk for over six hours with his family and neighbors to reach safety after the quake. Such desperate journeys have become commonplace among those affected, as they navigate the aftermath of this natural disaster.

Ongoing Needs and Appeals for Help

As the survivors continue to grapple with the consequences of the earthquake, they are making urgent appeals for assistance. Azim Khan, a 37-year-old farmer from Gagezu village, reported that every home in his community has suffered damage. “We ask our government and the international community to help us rebuild or help us with more permanent shelter,” he urged, emphasizing the critical need for durable housing solutions.

Kunar Governor Mawlawi Qudratullah has stated that cash donations are being directed towards reconstruction efforts, with promises of additional support from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and private donors. Some NGOs have already begun conducting surveys and feasibility studies to assess the situation and determine how best to assist the affected communities with healthcare, education, and water supply services.

The Road Ahead

Despite the efforts being made, the uncertainty of the future weighs heavily on the minds of the survivors. As winter approaches, the fear of the elements looms large. Villagers understand that tents will not suffice to shield them from the long, harsh winter that lies ahead. “If the government will help us rebuild, we will definitely go back to our village,” one villager expressed, highlighting a glimmer of hope amid the despair.

The road to recovery will be long and challenging, but with sustained support from the international community and NGOs, there is potential for rebuilding not just homes, but lives.

Key Facts

– A magnitude 6 earthquake struck the Diwa Gul Valley in Afghanistan on August 31.
– The quake destroyed more than 5,000 homes and resulted in at least 2,200 fatalities.
– Approximately 500,000 people have been affected by the disaster, according to the United Nations.
– The Afghan government has initiated a three-phase response plan to assist survivors, including evacuation, immediate aid, and long-term reconstruction.
– Survivors are currently living in makeshift tents, facing the challenges of an impending winter.
– Calls for international aid and support have been made by local residents and officials alike.

Source: www.aljazeera.com