As temperatures plunge across northern Afghanistan, families displaced by the recent earthquake in Samangan say they remain without shelter or life-saving aid, bracing for a harsh winter in makeshift tents and crumbling homes.
The October earthquake devastated parts of Khulm district, flattening homes and forcing families into the open. Weeks later, residents say critical assistance has yet to arrive. With nighttime temperatures falling below freezing, the urgency has only grown.
“There’s nothing left for us — no home, no possessions, nothing,” said Mohammad Siddiq, a resident whose house was destroyed in the quake. “We need shelter, just something to get through the day.”
Many of the displaced are living in tents, but some families report they have not even received adequate winterized shelters. Children, they say, are especially vulnerable as they sleep in the cold with little protection.
“They gave us tents, but they’re not made for winter,” said Bibi Amna, another affected resident. “We’re asking for warm tents, at least for the children. What we really need are permanent homes.”
Residents are calling on the Taliban authorities and humanitarian organizations to act swiftly, warning that the coming winter could become a life-threatening crisis if emergency shelter and supplies are not provided.
The disaster has compounded the challenges already facing communities in northern Afghanistan, where economic hardship, high unemployment, and limited resources have left many without basic services. Humanitarian access has also been constrained due to restrictions on aid agencies and security concerns in some regions.
Local officials have not commented on the status of aid distribution in Khulm, and major humanitarian agencies have not confirmed whether additional support will be delivered before winter peaks.
