Afghanistan Peace CampaignTwelve days ago, a deadly earthquake struck Kunar and neighboring provinces, causing heavy casualties and massive financial losses.
Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, during a visit to Kunar, expressed condolences to earthquake survivors and stressed the continuation of humanitarian aid, the reconstruction of affected areas, and the removal of economic obstacles.
He noted that despite limited resources, timely assistance had been provided to the victims, and officials had been instructed to ensure transparent distribution of aid among those in need.
Sayed Massoud, a university professor, stated: “The major blow to our people came on the eve of winter. The Kunar earthquake revealed the world’s failure to adequately assist these victims. The world’s largest countries provided only superficial aid.”
Meanwhile, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that more than 134,000 people affected by the deadly Kunar earthquake are in urgent need of assistance. The head of IOM in Afghanistan stressed that many Afghan earthquake survivors are homeless, sleeping in the open air, and face serious challenges in the upcoming winter.
Twelve days after the deadly earthquake in Kunar, the United Nations announced that aid had been delivered to 60,000 victims. A UN spokesperson warned that restrictions on female staff imposed by the authorities were hindering aid delivery to earthquake survivors.
Stephane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, said: “Those restrictions are putting at serious risk the essential humanitarian assistance currently being delivered by the UN in earthquake-affected areas of Afghanistan. The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said that it is engaging with the de facto authorities and calling for the immediate lifting of the restrictions to continue critical support to the Afghan people.”
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Economy, stressing the continuation of assistance, stated that aid is being distributed through humanitarian organizations as well as a committee affiliated with the Islamic Emirate.
Abdul Latif Nazari, Deputy Minister of Economy, said: “International aid reaches our affected compatriots through two mechanisms: first via NGOs and charitable organizations, and second through the committee of the Islamic Emirate. However, we want these aids to be distributed through the Islamic Emirate to ensure greater effectiveness.”
Twelve days ago, a deadly earthquake struck Kunar and neighboring provinces, causing heavy casualties and massive financial losses.