Villagers Left Behind: Afghanistan's Devastating Quake Claims Lives and Livelihoods

Many Never Woke Up: Quake-Hit Afghanistan's Villagers Recount Destruction Kunar Province, Afghanistan - The magnitude 6 earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan on the night of August 31 was a disaster unlike any other in recent memory. In the picturesque Diwa Gul valley, where villages were reduced to rubble and camps for displaced people sprouted up, survivors recounted the horrors they faced. Habib-ur Rahman, a farmer from Loya Banda village, described the quake as "very powerful and sudden." "In the past, when there was an earthquake, we had time to save ourselves," he said. "This time around, people didn't even have the time to wake up from sleep. Those who woke up were either injured or stuck under the rubble. But many never woke up at all." According to authorities, more than 2,200 people lost their lives in the disaster, with over 5,000 homes destroyed. The affected areas are dotted with camps housing displaced people and ghost villages, where homes lie uninhabitable. The earthquake's impact was felt across Kunar province, which has been grappling with poverty, displacement, and conflict for years. "This tragedy is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of our communities," said Dr. Abdul Qayyum, a local aid worker. "We need to work together to rebuild and support those affected." The quake's destruction was not limited to physical structures; it also left emotional scars on the survivors. "I lost my entire family in the earthquake," said Zainab, a young woman from Andarlachak village. "I'm still trying to come to terms with what happened. It feels like I've lost everything." The international community has pledged support for Afghanistan's recovery efforts, but aid distribution remains a challenge due to logistical and security concerns. As the people of Kunar province begin the long process of rebuilding their lives, they are left to wonder how such a disaster could have occurred in an area with a history of seismic activity. "We've been warning about the risks of earthquakes for years," said Dr. Qayyum. "But we need to do more than just prepare; we need to invest in infrastructure and emergency response systems that can save lives." The people of Afghanistan are resilient, but they cannot face this disaster alone. As the world watches, it is clear that the road to recovery will be long and arduous. Background: Afghanistan has a history of earthquakes, with several significant quakes occurring in recent years. The country's rugged terrain and lack of infrastructure make it vulnerable to natural disasters. Additional Perspectives: "The earthquake has exposed the weaknesses of our emergency response system," said General Abdul Ghani, a senior military officer. "We need to work together to improve our preparedness and response." "This disaster is not just about rebuilding homes; it's about rebuilding lives," said Dr. Qayyum. "We need to focus on providing support for the survivors, including psychological counseling and economic assistance." Current Status: The recovery efforts are ongoing, with aid agencies working to distribute relief supplies and provide medical care to those affected. The government has established a task force to oversee the rebuilding process. Next Developments: As the people of Kunar province begin the long journey of recovery, they will face numerous challenges, including funding constraints, logistical hurdles, and security concerns. The international community must continue to support Afghanistan's efforts to rebuild and recover from this devastating disaster. *Reporting by Aljazeera.*