UN seeks $139.6m aid for Afghans after deadly earthquake

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Photo:WAM

A powerful earthquake shook eastern Afghanistan last week, leaving behind destruction, death, and despair for thousands of families. To respond to this tragedy, the United Nations has launched a four-month emergency relief plan worth US$139.6 million. The goal is to provide urgent help to nearly 457,000 people who are struggling to survive in the affected areas.

Heavy Loss of Lives and Homes

The deadly earthquake struck provinces including Kunar, Laghman, and Nangarhar, causing widespread damage. According to local reports, more than 2,200 people have died and over 3,600 have been injured. Homes collapsed, families were torn apart, and entire communities now face an uncertain future. Almost half a million people are believed to have been directly affected, making this one of the most painful disasters for Afghanistan in recent years.

Call for International Support

Humanitarian leaders have appealed to the world to step forward. Indrika Ratwatte, the Humanitarian Coordinator for Afghanistan, explained that the country cannot face this disaster alone. He stressed that “the people of Afghanistan have already suffered years of conflict and poverty. Now, with winter coming fast, they need urgent help with food, shelter, and basic care.”

Ratwatte also warned that if the global community does not act quickly, all the small improvements that Afghans have managed to build in recent years could be lost. “Every new crisis pushes families deeper into suffering,” he said.

Emergency Plan for Survivors

The emergency response plan will focus on life-saving needs:

* Temporary shelters for families who lost their homes.

* Food supplies for children and adults at risk of hunger.

* Medical support for the injured and sick.

* Safe spaces for women and children to protect them from further harm.

* Winter kits such as blankets and heating tools to fight the cold.

Aid workers are also making sure that women, children, and vulnerable groups are kept at the center of the response. Special child-friendly spaces are being set up so that children can recover in safe environments.

Race Against Time Before Winter

What makes this disaster even more urgent is the approach of winter. Eastern Afghanistan faces freezing temperatures and heavy snow in the coming months. Thousands of families who have lost their homes now risk being exposed to bitter cold if shelter and blankets are not provided quickly. For many children, the lack of warm clothing and heating could become life-threatening.

A Country Already in Crisis

Afghanistan has been through years of war, economic hardship, and natural disasters. Many people were already struggling to survive even before the earthquake struck. This disaster adds another heavy burden on communities that have very few resources left. Aid workers fear that without immediate action, hunger, disease, and exposure to cold could kill more people than the earthquake itself.

Global Responsibility

The earthquake has once again highlighted the need for international solidarity. Aid agencies have limited funds, and without global donations, they cannot reach every family in need. The UN is asking countries, charities, and individuals to contribute generously to ensure that Afghan families can rebuild their lives and survive the winter.

Afghanistan earthquake, UN aid plan, humanitarian crisis