Kabul: A devastating earthquake has struck eastern Afghanistan, leaving a trail of destruction and despair in its wake. The 6.0-magnitude tremor, which hit the mountainous regions of Kunar and Nangarhar provinces late Monday night, has claimed over 800 lives and injured more than 2,800 people. Entire villages have been reduced to rubble, with residents trapped under collapsed homes and roads blocked by landslides, making rescue operations an uphill battle.
The Taliban administration, already under immense pressure from ongoing humanitarian crises, is struggling to respond effectively to the disaster. Limited communication and inaccessible terrain are complicating efforts to reach those most in need. Local authorities have appealed for immediate international assistance, emphasizing the urgent need for medical supplies, food, and shelter for survivors.
However, international aid, once a lifeline for Afghanistan, has dramatically dwindled in recent years. Humanitarian funding has dropped from $3.8 billion in 2022 to just $767 million in 2025. Donor nations and organizations have expressed frustration over Taliban-imposed restrictions, particularly on female aid workers, which has forced many NGOs to scale back or suspend their operations in the country. This funding shortfall has directly hindered the delivery of timely aid in the earthquake-affected regions.
Despite these obstacles, the United Nations and several countries, including China, have voiced readiness to provide support. Logistical challenges, coupled with political considerations, continue to delay relief efforts. Aid agencies are calling for an urgent reassessment of the funding situation to ensure that help reaches the remote communities before the situation worsens further.
Afghanistan’s vulnerability to natural disasters is starkly highlighted by this latest catastrophe. The seismically active Hindu Kush region remains prone to earthquakes, yet years of political instability and dwindling international support have left the country ill-prepared to handle such emergencies. Humanitarian experts stress the importance of sustained aid not only for immediate relief but also for long-term reconstruction and disaster preparedness.
As Afghanistan reels from this tragedy, the international community faces a critical test: balancing political concerns with the pressing humanitarian need. The speed and scale of the response will determine how effectively the nation can recover and rebuild in the aftermath of the earthquake.