Help and Relief Challenges in Afghanistan Following Recent Earthquake
Recent earthquakes have caused widespread destruction in Afghanistan, especially in eastern provinces. The United Nations reports that communication and connectivity problems are making it difficult for aid workers to reach those in need. Landslides and rockfalls have also blocked roads, hampering rescue efforts in the aftermath of the quakes.
The first earthquake struck on Sunday, registering a magnitude of 6.0 near the Pakistan border. Two days later, a second quake of 5.2 magnitude hit the same region, causing further chaos. These aftershocks have deepened the crisis, with many families stranded and in urgent need of help.
Despite these challenges, communities in Afghanistan are doing their part. The Hindu and Sikh communities from Afghanistan, along with their international supporters, have united to send essential relief supplies. Manjit Singh Lambe, head of the Council of Hindu and Sikh Minorities of Afghanistan, said that Sikhs and Hindus are working with their global diaspora and organizations like the World Hindu Association to provide aid to quake victims.
One notable city affected is Jalalabad, a place with historical ties to Sikh Guru Nanak. The city is home to the Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar. Sadly, exact numbers of Hindus and Sikhs still living in Afghanistan are hard to find. Estimates from 2019 show that only a small number of Hindus and Sikhs remain in the country, with just a few hundred registered voters back then.
The UN officials expressed concern that hundreds of thousands of people could be impacted if help doesn’t arrive quickly. In the first 24 hours after the earthquake, access to affected areas was very limited, delaying rescue operations. Many roads are blocked by debris and landslides caused by heavy rains and the tremors.
Afghanistan’s Taliban government has called on the international community for urgent help. While over 40 countries are engaging in talks with Kabul, only Russia has officially recognized the Taliban regime so far.
India has stepped in with immediate aid, sending 1,000 tents and 15 tons of food supplies. New Delhi has also promised to continue providing medicines and additional emergency relief to support those affected.
Efforts are ongoing worldwide to assist Afghanistan during this difficult time. The focus now is on saving lives, rebuilding communities, and ensuring aid reaches everyone in need.
