Kabul– The death toll from the powerful earthquake in eastern Afghanistan rose above 1,400 on Tuesday, with more than 3,000 people injured, according to Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.
Rescuers are racing against time to reach the mountainous and remote region struck by the 6.0 magnitude quake on Sunday. A UN official warned that casualties could rise sharply as many victims remain trapped under the rubble of collapsed mud-brick and wooden homes.
Entire villages were flattened, with residents caught in their sleep. The rough terrain has further slowed emergency efforts. “We cannot afford to forget the people of Afghanistan who are facing multiple crises,” said Indrika Ratwatte, the UN’s resident coordinator for Afghanistan. “These are life and death decisions while we race against time to reach people.”
This is the third major earthquake since the Taliban takeover in 2021. Afghanistan is already struggling with a weak economy, dwindling aid, and the return of millions of refugees from Iran and Pakistan. The Taliban, recognised only by Russia, has appealed for international assistance, but global crises and reduced donor budgets limit available help.
Relief efforts are further complicated by restrictions on Afghan women and girls, including bans on their work with NGOs, which has strained relations with donors. Earlier this year, the US cut aid over concerns that funds were benefiting the Taliban government.
Health services are collapsing under pressure. Kate Carey, deputy head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Afghanistan, said more than 420 health facilities have closed or suspended operations due to funding cuts, including 80 in the quake-hit eastern region. “The consequence is that the remaining facilities are overwhelmed, have insufficient supplies and personnel, and are not as close to the affected populations,” she said.
The international community now faces urgent calls to act before the crisis deepens further.
