Afghanistan Earthquake: A Race Against Time Amidst Funding Crisis and Logistical Nightmares
A devastating earthquake struck western Afghanistan on October 7th,2023,leaving a trail of destruction and triggering a desperate humanitarian crisis. The scale of the disaster, compounded by pre-existing challenges within the country – including limited infrastructure, interaction breakdowns, and a critical funding shortfall – is hindering rescue efforts and threatening the lives of countless survivors. This article provides a extensive overview of the situation, drawing on reports from the United Nations and on-the-ground assessments, outlining the immediate needs, the obstacles faced by aid workers, and the urgent call for increased international support.
The Immediate Impact: Remote Villages Cut Off and Healthcare Systems Overwhelmed
The earthquake, centered in the Herat province, has impacted a region already grappling with poverty and vulnerability. Initial reports indicate widespread damage to homes and infrastructure, with entire villages flattened.Reaching affected communities is proving exceptionally difficult.
“our teams had to leave their cars and walk two hours to get to Ghazi Abad,” explained UNICEF representative, Mr. Al-Jabani, highlighting the challenging terrain and lack of accessible roads. “Other villages are six to seven hours’ walk away and still not reached…not even by the local authorities’ helicopters.”
This logistical nightmare is further exacerbated by a near-total communication blackout. “There is one cell tower near a health center, otherwise it is dark,” Mr. Al-Jabani continued, underscoring the difficulty in assessing the full extent of the damage and coordinating relief efforts.
The impact on healthcare is especially alarming. Medical facilities themselves have been damaged, forcing healthcare workers to provide treatment in makeshift conditions. “At one damaged centre in Ghazi Abad with clearly visible cracks in the walls, people are being treated “outside, under trees”, as they are too afraid to stay inside,” Mr. Al-Jabani reported. The delivery of essential medicines is also severely hampered, relying almost entirely on foot travel from the nearest UNICEF-supported hospital.
international Response: A Coordinated, Yet Constrained Effort
The international community has mobilized a response, led by the United Nations. At least 25 assessment teams have been dispatched to the affected region, and humanitarian air service flights from Kabul have been increased to facilitate the transport of personnel and limited supplies.
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is actively deploying pre-positioned relief items, including tents, blankets, and solar lamps, from stockpiles in Kabul.The immediate priorities are clear: emergency shelter,medical supplies,access to clean drinking water,and emergency food assistance.
However, the effectiveness of this response is severely constrained by a looming crisis: a critical shortage of funding.
A Funding Shortfall Threatens Lifesaving Aid
The situation is dire.The UN World Food Program (WFP) has warned it can only afford to provide food assistance to earthquake victims for a “few more weeks” before funding runs out. John Aylieff, WFP’s top official in Kabul, issued a stark warning: “This is not long enough to cater to their immediate needs nor to put them on a path to rebuilding their lives. We need donors to step in urgently and help us support families which have been devastated by this tragedy.”
The broader picture is equally concerning. Of the $2.4 billion in funding required for aid and progress programs in Afghanistan this year, only $685.8 million has been received, according to the UN aid coordination office, OCHA. This important gap jeopardizes not only the earthquake response but also essential long-term development initiatives.
The Resilience of the Afghan people and the Vital Role of women Humanitarians
Amidst the devastation, the resilience of the Afghan people is shining through. Thousands of local community members have spontaneously mobilized, providing water, food, and assisting in the search and rescue efforts. “People in their thousands are moving in and out of the area,” noted the UNICEF official.Crucially, Afghan women are at the forefront of the response. UN Women reports that many are working tirelessly, “travelling on foot to speak directly with women and girls,” often putting in 18-hour days.
“It’s exhausting work – and it’s impossible for them to reach everyone who needs help,” explained Susan Ferguson, UN Women Afghanistan Special Representative. She emphasized the essential role of women humanitarians in overcoming cultural barriers that can hinder access to assistance for women and girls. “In a context like Afghanistan, it is essential that women are delivering assistance to women and girls.” The
