Kabul: Afghanistan is facing a deepening humanitarian crisis following a powerful earthquake that struck the eastern provinces of Kunar and Nangarhar, killing over 1,400 people and destroying more than 6,700 homes. The initial magnitude 6 quake on Sunday was followed by a 5.5 aftershock on Tuesday, exacerbating the devastation and making rescue operations extremely difficult due to landslides and damaged infrastructure.

Authorities report that approximately 84,000 people have been affected, with thousands displaced and struggling to access basic necessities. Survivors are facing severe shortages of food, medical supplies, and shelter. The World Food Programme has warned that current food aid stocks could be exhausted within four weeks unless additional international support is provided.

Rescue and relief operations have been hampered by the damaged roads and ongoing aftershocks. The Afghan government has initiated airdrop missions to deliver commandos and essential supplies to remote and inaccessible areas. International aid organizations, including Doctors Without Borders and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, are calling for urgent global assistance to provide airlifted supplies, emergency shelter, sanitation, and trauma care.

Residents in the affected areas have described the catastrophic impact on their lives. Aalem Jan from Kunar province said, "Everything we had has been destroyed. Our house collapsed, and all our belongings and possessions were lost. The only remaining things are these clothes on our backs."

The international community is being urged to respond quickly to this escalating disaster, as the combination of natural calamity and logistical challenges threatens further loss of life and prolonged suffering for the survivors.