Nearly a week after a deadly earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan, survivors in Kunar province say they are still waiting for help, even as the various countries and organizations have pledged almost $25 million in cash and relief supplies.
The 6.0-magnitude quake on Aug. 31 devastated large parts of Kunar and neighboring provinces, killing more than 2,200 people, injuring 3,600 and destroying at least 6,700 homes, according to the United Nations. The UN says more than 84,000 people have been affected, losing not only homes but also schools, health centers, farmland, livestock and clean water sources.
The UN has committed $10 million from its emergency relief fund, while the European Union and several countries have also announced contributions: China $7.2 million, Germany $2.5 million, Britain $1.3 million, the EU $1.1 million, Australia and South Korea $1 million each, Ireland $580,000 and Turkey $500,000.
Beyond cash, a wide range of countries — including Russia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Japan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Bangladesh, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia and India — have sent tents, food, blankets, hygiene kits and medical supplies by road, rail and air.
Iran’s embassy in Kabul said its second shipment of aid — about 50 tons of food, blankets and medical supplies — arrived over the weekend. “This includes food items, hygiene materials and blankets,” Iran’s acting ambassador Alireza Bikdeli said.
But in Kunar itself, survivors told Amu TV they have yet to receive the pledged support. “We are still waiting for help,” said one resident, Ghulamullah. Another, Khair Mohammad, said families fear the aid will not be distributed fairly or reach those most in need.
The lack of female doctors has left many injured women without adequate treatment, health workers said. “There are women here in urgent need of medical care, but the shortage of female staff is a serious problem,” said Rahila Reza, a worker at Kunar’s main hospital.
U.S. absence noted
While dozens of governments and agencies have stepped in, the United States — once Afghanistan’s largest donor — has so far made no announcement of aid. Reuters reported that Washington’s silence reflects a sharp reduction in American foreign assistance since President Donald Trump returned to office earlier this year, including the closure of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in Afghanistan in April.
Two former U.S. officials told Reuters the lack of response “underscores the consequences of steep foreign aid cuts and the shutdown of USAID, which effectively halted most American humanitarian operations in Afghanistan.”
As emergency efforts continue, questions remain about whether assistance will be properly managed and whether survivors in remote areas will receive help. Local residents say past disasters have shown aid often arrives late or fails to reach those most in need.
For now, tens of thousands of Afghans are sheltering in makeshift tents or out in the open, bracing for aftershocks while grieving the loss of homes, livelihoods and loved ones.
