UNITED NATIONS (AP) — An initial United Nations assessment following a deadly earthquake in Afghanistan has reported the destruction of 5,230 homes and damage to 672 more across 49 villages. However, the UN has been unable to reach the majority of the remote villages due to extensive damage to roads.
Shannon O’Hara, coordination chief for the UN humanitarian office in Afghanistan, highlighted the difficulties faced by aid workers, citing the rugged terrain of the eastern region where the quake struck, coupled with aftershocks that further inhibited access.
The earthquake, which occurred on August 31, has already resulted in at least 2,200 fatalities, and this number is expected to rise as recovery efforts progress. The UN cautions that up to 500,000 people could be impacted, most of whom are vulnerable children, including many Afghans recently returned from Pakistan and Iran.
During O’Hara’s travels to the worst-hit areas, she recounted distressing scenes of families fleeing with their children, carrying minimal belongings and visibly suffering from injuries. As the assessment teams pushed closer to the epicenter, they encountered entire villages in ruins and the grim odor of decomposing livestock.
Displaced families are currently residing in crowded temporary shelters, with many forced to sleep outside under adverse weather conditions. O’Hara emphasized the urgent need for basics such as clean drinking water and sanitation facilities, warning of a potentially alarming cholera outbreak due to inadequate hygiene practices.
With winter nearing, the stakes are high. O’Hara expressed grave concerns over the lack of supplies for clean water, food, latrines, tents, and warm clothing, essential for surviving the impending cold. She noted the risk of flash floods and additional landslides from future rains, which could isolate the affected communities even further.
In an emergency appeal expected to be announced soon, the UN plans to mobilize funding to assist the earthquake survivors. O’Hara praised the Taliban authorities' cooperation in search-and-rescue efforts, ensuring that aid is accessible, especially for women and girls impacted by the restrictions on their activities.
