Khas Kunar, Afghanistan – The recent earthquake that struck Andarlachak village in the Diwa Gul Valley on August 31 has brought significant challenges to the community. The intense tremors led to the destruction of homes and left many residents grappling with the precariousness of their living conditions.

Abdul Wahid, a 33-year-old English teacher, shared the dire state of his home, which now stands severely damaged. “Our houses have sustained substantial cracks and some walls have collapsed. They are no longer safe for habitation,” he noted. This situation has forced him and his family to seek temporary shelter in makeshift camps scattered throughout the valley, underscoring the broader impact of the disaster on local families.

The earthquake, measuring a magnitude of 6, is reported to have destroyed over 5,000 homes and resulted in at least 2,200 fatalities. The United Nations estimates that approximately half a million individuals have been affected by the calamity, highlighting the considerable humanitarian challenge at hand.

For many residents, the earthquake transformed already difficult circumstances into urgent crises. Mohamed Khader, a resident of Aireth, a remote mountain village in Nurgal district, undertook a six-hour journey with his family and neighbors to find safety after the quake rendered their homes uninhabitable. He expressed a deep longing to return home if support from the government enables them to rebuild.

Emergency response measures are currently underway. Local authorities have initiated a three-step plan focused on evacuating at-risk individuals, providing emergency food and medical care in makeshift camps, and facilitating long-term housing solutions for displaced families. The government is utilizing resources, including leftover transportation from prior international military operations, to deliver vital supplies from a designated coordination center.

Najibullah Haqqani, Kunar’s provincial director for the Ministry of Information and Culture, reaffirmed the commitment to assist affected residents. While the provision of tents serves as an initial response, villagers like Azim Khan—a farmer from Gagezu village—are concerned about the upcoming harsh winter climate, which will not offer adequate protection within temporary structures.

Kunar Governor Mawlawi Qudratullah highlighted the importance of collaboration with the international community and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in this effort. Promises of help for reconstruction and essential services, such as healthcare and water supply, have been made, signaling a robust approach to recovery and community rebuilding.

Amidst the uncertainty and challenges, there remains hope among survivors for a support network that emphasizes resilience and renewal in the face of adversity. The path ahead, although daunting, is underscored by a collective aspiration for recovery.

#WorldNews #MiddleEastNews