Destruction after earthquake in Afghanistan. “Destruction everywhere, help scarce after Afghanistan quake.” CNBC, 26 June 2022, https://www.cnbc.com/2022/06/27/destruction-everywhere-and-help-scarce-after-afghanistan-quake.html. Accessed 26 September 2022.
On June 22nd, a 5.9 magnitude earthquake rocked Afghanistan. This was the deadliest earthquake that hit the country in 20 years, resulting in over 1,000 casualties. Most affected were the southeastern provinces of Paktika and Khost, the poorest and most remote areas in Afghanistan.1 In Gayan, a district within Paktika, a whopping 1,500 homes were either damaged or destroyed.2
Afghanistan struggled with many problems prior to the earthquake this past June. Droughts have caused widespread hunger, women and girls face mass discrimination, and the economy is one of the weakest in the world. The country’s unstable, poorly funded government has also been a large problem, failing to mitigate the damage of the earthquake. A year since the United States withdrew its troops from the country, Afghanistan is more vulnerable than ever. The foreign aid that backed 75% of the Afghan budget was cut off when the Taliban came to power. Limited government funding led to the collapse of the health sector, an economic crisis, and a lack of humanitarian aid.3
Afghan children were especially affected; it is estimated that nearly 200,000 were impacted by the earthquake.4 As a result, children and teens are at risk of family separation, emotional and psychological stress, abuse, and violence. They are in dire need of shelter, clean water, medical care, and protection.5
It is important to take action to ensure that every child impacted by the earthquake receives proper protection and care.
In addition to other countries providing foreign aid to Afghanistan, many charities are also getting involved. The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) established a health facility in Gayan with a laboratory, wards, and many other services, providing children and families health care and nutrition.6 Islamic Relief is an organization founded by British Muslims dedicated to disaster response. It has provided over 900 families food packages, tents, clothing, and hygiene kits. The links to donate to these charities are listed below.7
Notes
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1 “Afghanistan earthquake: what we know so far, our response.” International Rescue Committee, 13 July 2022, https://www.rescue.org/article/afghanistan-earthquake-what-we-know-so-far-our-response. Accessed 26 September 2022.
2 “Need for Aid Is Critical in Afghanistan After Devastating Earthquake.” The New York Times, 24 June 2022, https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/06/23/world/afghanistan-earthquake. Accessed 26 September 2022.
3 “Need for Aid Is Critical in Afghanistan After Devastating Earthquake.” The New York Times, 24 June 2022, https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/06/23/world/afghanistan-earthquake. Accessed 26 September 2022.
4 “One Year Later: Focus on Afghanistan.” Islamic Relief USA, 2022, https://irusa.org/asia/afghanistan/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google-ads&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=&utm_term=help%20afghanistan&device=c&network=g&placement=&creative=605609212260&matchtype=p&targetid=kwd-391285615096&&campaign_id=17567. Accessed 24 September 2022.
5 “UNICEF Geneva Palais briefing note on the situation of children and families affected by the earthquake in Afghanistan.” UNICEF, 24 June 2022, https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/unicef-geneva-palais-briefing-note-situation-children-and-families-affected. Accessed 26 September 2022.
6 “UNICEF Reaching Children With Lifesaving Health Care After Afghanistan Earthquake.” YouTube, 19 July 2022, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfKnkSSLNcg. Accessed 26 September 2022.
7 “UNICEF Reaching Children With Lifesaving Health Care After Afghanistan Earthquake.” YouTube, 19 July 2022, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfKnkSSLNcg. Accessed 26 September 2022.
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