Afghanistan Earthquake Death Toll Surpasses 2,200 Amid Ongoing Relief Efforts

A 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan late Sunday, resulting in over 2,200 fatalities and more than 3,600 injuries, according to Taliban spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat. The quake primarily affected Kunar province, where many residents live in wood and mud-brick homes along steep river valleys.

Rescue operations are ongoing, with authorities deploying helicopters and airdropping army commandos to assist survivors. However, rough terrain and landslides have hindered access to remote villages, complicating relief efforts.

Aid agencies have reported significant challenges due to funding cuts and logistical difficulties. The Norwegian Refugee Council, for instance, has fewer than 450 staff in Afghanistan, down from 1,100 in 2023, and only one warehouse remaining with no emergency stock. The council has only $100,000 available for emergency response, leaving an immediate funding gap of $1.9 million.

The United Nations has warned that the death toll could rise as more people remain trapped under rubble, particularly in the worst-hit areas. The World Food Programme has only enough supplies to last for a few weeks, and rescue teams are experiencing difficulty reaching remote villages affected by the earthquakes.

International aid has begun to arrive, with countries such as China providing relief assistance. However, humanitarian organizations continue to call for increased support to address the immediate needs of the affected population and to assist in long-term recovery efforts.