The Taliban government in Afghanistan is requesting international aid following a 6.0 magnitude earthquake that occurred on Sunday. According to administration spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, the quake has caused over 800 fatalities and left thousands injured. The earthquake struck several towns, including those in Kunar province, leaving many people buried under the debris of their collapsed homes.
Rescue efforts have been challenging due to difficult terrain and poor weather conditions. The worst of the destruction has been reported in Kunar province, which is situated near the Pakistan border. Villagers have wrapped the dead in white shrouds and buried them, while helicopters have been aiding in transporting the injured to hospitals.
The earthquake is reported to have destroyed three villages entirely, with significant damage to many others. It is the third major deadly earthquake in Afghanistan since the Taliban took control in 2021. The government is already struggling with its finances due to a drop in foreign aid, causing concerns over how the Taliban will respond to this even further stretch on its resources.
International aid has already started flowing in, with Britain providing emergency funding of 1 million pounds ($1.35 million) and India delivering 1,000 family tents to Kabul as well as sending food materials to Kunar province. Both China and India have declared their support for Afghanistan’s recovery. However, the United States has expressed condolences only, and has yet to decide if it will provide assistance.
The earthquake has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, which has been made worse by a sharp drop in foreign aid. Ultimately, the international community will have a key role in aiding Afghanistan’s recovery from this natural disaster.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/sep/02/afghanistan-earthquake-taliban-appeals-for-international-aid-as-rescue-teams-search-for-survivors
