In a tragic incident, a devastating magnitude 6.3 earthquake rocked western Afghanistan, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming the lives of over 2,000 people. Entire villages have been flattened, and survivors, both living and dead, are trapped under collapsed houses. Desperate rescue attempts are being made by locals using their bare hands and shovels, but the lack of proper equipment hampers their efforts.
The earthquake struck a densely populated area near Herat, followed by strong aftershocks, causing widespread damage. Hundreds are still trapped, more than 1,000 are injured, and over 1,300 homes have been destroyed, according to government sources.
Taliban fighters guard at the site of an earthquake in Zenda Jan district in Herat province of western Afghanistan on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023. | Ebrahim Noroozi/AP Photo
Rescue efforts are hampered by the lack of disaster management capacity and inadequate medical infrastructure. Survivors are in urgent need of medical treatment, shelter, and clean water. Aid agencies and NGOs are appealing for international support, but the response has been limited. Only a handful of countries, including China and Pakistan, have publicly offered assistance.
The situation is dire, with trapped survivors facing increasing risks due to the lack of rescue equipment. People are forced to sleep in the open air, braving cold temperatures, as fear of more quakes persists. Urgent help is needed to prevent further loss of life and alleviate the suffering of those affected.
In response to this crisis, Afghan cricket star Rashid Khan has pledged to donate his Cricket World Cup fees to support the earthquake survivors. Meanwhile, international aid agencies, including the United Nations migration agency and Doctors Without Borders, have deployed teams and resources to provide medical assistance and support.
The international community’s immediate and robust response is crucial to address the humanitarian emergency in western Afghanistan. Donations and aid are urgently needed to provide relief to the affected communities and help them rebuild their lives after this devastating disaster.
COMMENTS