Earthquake Devastation in Afghanistan
The death toll from a recent earthquake in Afghanistan has now reached 1,411, with over 3,100 people reported injured. The initial count was around 800, but this figure was revised after the UN clarified that the earlier number only represented casualties in Kunar province.
The earthquake struck at midnight on Sunday, approximately 17 miles from Jalalabad, near the Pakistan border, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).
In a press briefing on Tuesday, UN resident coordinator Indrika Ratwatte emphasized the urgency of rescue efforts, stating that teams are racing against time to assist those in the affected areas. He also warned that fatalities could rise as the situation unfolds.
“It’s crucial not to overlook the multiple crises that Afghan people are facing,” Ratwatte noted, urging the international community to take action. “We are under pressure to make life-and-death decisions as we try to reach those in need,” he added.
Ratwatte described the devastating impact of collapsing houses, noting that injuries and fatalities often result when roofs cave in during such disasters. The area affected had a sparse population, yet the earthquake occurred while many residents were asleep.
“Based on previous events, it’s uncertain whether the casualty figures will reflect an exponential increase,” he remarked.
Kate Carey, who serves as the deputy director of the UN’s office for Coordinating Humanitarian Cooperation in Afghanistan, highlighted the alarming state of healthcare facilities post-earthquake. She reported that more than 420 health facilities were either closed or temporarily suspended, severely limiting access to care.
“Remaining facilities are overwhelmed and are struggling with inadequate supplies and staffing, impacting their ability to provide essential trauma care in the critical hours following the earthquake,” Carey stated.
In response to the crisis, Taliban authorities have set up camps in Kunar to facilitate humanitarian aid and coordinate evacuations for the injured, as well as the burial of those who lost their lives.
