Rescue teams are urgently heading to Kunar province in eastern Afghanistan following a devastating earthquake that has killed at least 600 people and injured more than 3,000, many of whom are children. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue operations continue amid difficult conditions, according to Save the Children. The earthquake struck during the night, complicating rescue efforts as aftershocks persist and blocked roads hinder access to affected areas.
Save the Children, which has a strong presence in the affected provinces, is deploying health teams immediately to the hardest-hit districts in Kunar. The mountainous terrain and damaged infrastructure have isolated many communities, making it difficult to assess the full extent of the devastation. Official sources report that Kunar, Nangarhar, and Laghman provinces have been severely impacted by the magnitude 6.0 earthquake, which occurred in the early hours.
A local doctor, Azam, recounted the terrifying experience of the earthquake. He described the intense shaking that made it impossible to open doors and caused parts of his home to collapse. Fortunately, his children were not home at the time, which likely saved their lives. He added that the tremors continue, adding to the community’s fear and uncertainty. Alongside the earthquake, recent torrential rains have triggered flash floods, damaging homes and roads in the region, according to the United Nations.
Samira Sayed Rahman, Advocacy Director for Save the Children Afghanistan, highlighted the vulnerability of children and families caught off guard by the quake, especially given that many homes are not built to withstand such shocks. She emphasized that aftershocks continue to cause fear and the risk of further damage remains high. The blocked roads are making it difficult to reach cut-off villages, delaying crucial rescue and relief efforts. Immediate support is urgently needed to provide food, clean water, shelter, and essential supplies to those affected.
Save the Children has been working in Afghanistan since 1976, supporting communities and protecting children’s rights through times of conflict and natural disasters. The organization operates programs across ten provinces and collaborates with partners in eleven others. Since August 2021, they have intensified their efforts to meet the growing needs of children by delivering health, nutrition, education, child protection, shelter, water, sanitation, hygiene, and livelihood services. The organization calls on the international community for immediate funding and coordinated assistance to ensure lifesaving aid reaches the affected children and families without delay.
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