UNITED NATIONS — An initial assessment by the United Nations has revealed that Afghanistan's recent earthquake caused devastating damage, destroying more than 5,200 homes and impacting 441 villages, although many remain unreachable due to terrain challenges.
\Shannon O’Hara, the UN humanitarian coordination chief, noted on Monday that the earthquake, which struck on August 31 with a magnitude of 6.0, has claimed at least 2,200 lives. This number may increase as recovery efforts continue and more bodies are found. The disaster has affected approximately 500,000 individuals, with a significant portion being vulnerable children.
\The U.N. has struggled to access the most isolated villages due to damaged roads and continuous aftershocks measuring between 5.2 and 5.6. While traveling towards the epicenter, O’Hara recounted her challenging journey from Jalalabad, taking over six hours to cover only 100 kilometers on a narrow, treacherous mountain road.
\Many affected families were seen evacuating, carrying minimal belongings, often wearing the same clothes they had on during the earthquake. Reports indicate entire villages are devastated, with some families left homeless and sheltering in tents or under the open sky amid chilling conditions.
\Cholera is a significant concern in the region, compounded by a lack of clean drinking water and sanitary conditions. Initial assessments indicate that a staggering 92% of households are without proper sanitation facilities.
\O’Hara emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian aid, citing the necessity for clean water, food, warm clothing, and adequate housing as the region braces for winter. She warned that time is critical, as rain could lead to floods and further landslides, jeopardizing displaced populations.
\The U.N. will issue an emergency appeal to secure funding necessary for recovery efforts. While the Taliban authorities have led search and rescue operations, O’Hara affirmed that humanitarian access has remained relatively unobstructed. Additionally, she reassured efforts are in place to include women in relief teams to address the needs of affected women and children.
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