Image Source hindustantimes
Afghanistan has been left reeling after a devastating earthquake struck over the weekend, killing more than 800 people and injuring thousands across several provinces. Entire villages were flattened as mud-brick homes crumbled, leaving families buried under rubble and survivors scrambling for safety. Rescue efforts remain hampered by damaged roads, poor connectivity, and limited resources, intensifying the scale of the tragedy.
Epicenter of Devastation
The quake, which registered strong tremors across the region, struck hardest in the western provinces. Local officials reported that dozens of villages have been reduced to rubble. Hospitals, already struggling with shortages, are overwhelmed by the influx of injured residents. Many survivors are spending nights in the open, braving the elements as aftershocks continue to spread fear.
International Aid Mobilized
The humanitarian crisis has prompted an immediate response from the global community. Relief agencies are rushing medical supplies, food, and tents into affected areas. The United Nations has deployed emergency teams to coordinate assistance, while neighboring countries and international NGOs have pledged financial and logistical support.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep condolences over the loss of lives and announced India’s readiness to extend all possible humanitarian assistance. “India stands with the people of Afghanistan in this hour of grief,” Modi said, emphasizing solidarity with the quake-hit nation.
Challenges Ahead
Despite global pledges, aid delivery faces severe hurdles. Afghanistan’s mountainous terrain, coupled with fragile infrastructure and ongoing political instability, is making relief operations slow and uneven. Humanitarian organizations have warned of a looming secondary crisis—lack of clean water, risk of disease outbreaks, and acute food shortages in the coming days.
Global Solidarity
As Afghanistan grapples with this tragedy, the outpouring of support highlights the urgency of coordinated international action. The disaster serves as a grim reminder of the country’s vulnerability to natural calamities and the pressing need for sustainable disaster preparedness.
For now, the world watches as Afghan rescue workers, aided by international partners, continue their desperate search for survivors under the rubble—offering a fragile hope amid the devastation.
[Newsroom staff written original, where key claims or facts are used, I’ve referenced the original sources (like NDTV Profit, The Economic Time, The Times of India, Hindustan Times The Guardian, Reuters, etc.) transparently.]
