Devastation and Desperation: Afghanistan’s Ongoing Struggle with Earthquakes Amidst Economic Crisis
Image source: Rise to Peace
In the wake of a powerful earthquake that recently struck western Afghanistan, the nation finds itself grappling with yet another catastrophe at a time of deep economic crisis. The 6.3 magnitude earthquake, which struck 25 miles west of Herat city in the western Herat province, has left more than 2,000 people dead, according to the Taliban. This natural disaster has compounded the already dire situation in Afghanistan, where the population is reeling from economic hardship and the aftermath of recent quakes.
The earthquake’s toll, as reported by Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mojahid, is staggering, with thousands killed and injured, along with a significant number of houses either completely or partially destroyed. Rescue teams have been dispatched to the Herat province, and aid in the form of food, water, medicines, and clothing is being sent to the affected area. However, there are concerns that the death toll could rise even further as the full extent of the damage becomes clear.
Initial estimates from the United Nations had suggested a lower death toll, but the reality appears to be much grimmer. The UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) had initially reported around 100 deaths and 500 injuries, along with hundreds of destroyed houses and damaged buildings. OCHA also noted that approximately 4,200 people, constituting 600 families, have been affected by the earthquake’s aftermath.
Images from the affected areas depict scenes of devastation, with heaps of debris and rubble where buildings once stood. Survivors have congregated in the streets for safety, as the earthquake and subsequent aftershocks have left them in a state of shock and vulnerability.
One village, Mahal Wadakah, is reported to be among the hardest-hit areas, with at least 20 deaths. Other severely affected regions include Dasht Hows, Bahadorzai, Zoryan, and Koshkak. Additionally, around 2,100 people from approximately 300 families have been displaced to Herat City, where they are now residing in abandoned buildings.
Afghanistan’s vulnerability to earthquakes is compounded by its ongoing economic crisis and hunger emergency. The country has long been one of the poorest in Asia, enduring decades of conflict. However, its capacity to respond to natural disasters has been significantly hampered since the Taliban took control in 2021, leading to the withdrawal of many international aid organizations.
Furthermore, the freezing of about $7 billion in foreign reserves and the suspension of international funding by the United States and its allies have further crippled an economy that was already heavily reliant on aid. The dire economic situation, coupled with food shortages, has left two-thirds of Afghan families struggling to maintain their livelihoods, as warned by the World Bank.
In a country that experiences frequent seismic activity, this economic turmoil makes it exceedingly difficult for Afghans to recover from earthquakes. The nation has faced a series of devastating quakes, including one in March that struck northeastern Afghanistan, causing widespread destruction and triggering landslides. Tremors from this quake were felt in major Pakistani cities and as far away as New Delhi, India.
Another earthquake in June of the previous year in eastern Paktika and Khost provinces, near the Pakistan border, claimed over a thousand lives and posed immense challenges for aid groups trying to reach victims in areas with poor infrastructure. In January 2022, a 5.6 magnitude earthquake in Badghis, another western province near Herat, led to more than 20 casualties and reduced hundreds of brick homes to rubble.
Afghanistan’s vulnerability to earthquakes remains a pressing concern, and addressing the immediate humanitarian needs of those affected, along with long-term economic recovery, poses significant challenges in a nation already grappling with multiple crises.
Team Profile
- News Writer
- Harshit Tokas is a Political Science and International Affairs Post-Graduate with a passion for understanding and analyzing complex political landscapes. Skilled in research, data analysis, and policy development. Eager to contribute his knowledge and insights to drive positive change.
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