Parts of Afghanistan’s Kunar province remain inaccessible following this week’s deadly earthquake, the UNAMA deputy chief Indrika Ratwatte said, warning that the lack of access is hampering humanitarian relief efforts.
He added that there is “no contact whatsoever” with some of the areas hardest hit by the quake.
In a video posted by the UN, Ratwatte said even deploying helicopters has proven difficult due to the rugged terrain and logistical challenges. He noted that Taliban authorities are also struggling to access some remote locations.
“This is a very mountainous region,” Ratwatte said. “Landslides and rockfalls have occurred due to the earthquake, making access extremely limited, especially during the first 24 hours.”
He added that the United Nations has deployed 20 emergency assessment teams to the affected areas and is working with other agencies to restore communications, repair infrastructure and assess the damage.
“Reaching these areas is not easy, and continuous evacuation of the injured remains a significant challenge,” Ratwatte said.
The comments come as Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the official death toll from the Kunar earthquake has risen to 1,457, with 3,394 others injured. Mujahid also reported that at least 6,782 homes were destroyed in the disaster.
