UN Agency Appeals for Funds to Assist Quake-Hit Afghans
The International Organization for Migration is seeking financial support for approximately 134,000 individuals affected by the recent earthquake in Afghanistan, where many remain homeless and in need of assistance.
The UN's migration agency, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), has issued an appeal for funding to aid around 134,000 individuals in Afghanistan who require assistance following a devastating earthquake that struck the country’s mountainous east nearly two weeks ago.
The disaster claimed over 2,200 lives and left more than 3,600 people injured, according to Afghan authorities.
Many of those affected by the magnitude 6.0 quake remain without shelter, forced to reside in makeshift conditions as they await the opportunity to return and rebuild their homes.
The IOM emphasizes that it aims to provide aid as close as possible to the displaced populations’ current locations rather than establishing temporary camps for them.
The earthquake also destroyed over 7,000 homes, affecting nearly half a million people in total.
In 80 out of 400 assessed villages, more than 6,000 homes were completely destroyed, with another 1,300 damaged, as per UN assessments.
Despite these efforts, the need for additional resources remains pressing, with the UN seeking $139 million over the next four months to assist approximately 457,000 individuals.
Afghanistan is already grappling with multiple crises, including the return of over 1.7 million Afghans from Iran and Pakistan this year, along with internal displacement and severe economic hardships.
The EU plays a significant role in providing aid, especially since the US halted its financial support following the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021.
The situation is particularly concerning for Afghan women, who face restrictive measures imposed by the Taliban under their interpretation of Islamic law.
The UN has taken steps to address these challenges, including adjusting its operations to ensure continued essential work while safeguarding staff members.
The disaster claimed over 2,200 lives and left more than 3,600 people injured, according to Afghan authorities.
Many of those affected by the magnitude 6.0 quake remain without shelter, forced to reside in makeshift conditions as they await the opportunity to return and rebuild their homes.
The IOM emphasizes that it aims to provide aid as close as possible to the displaced populations’ current locations rather than establishing temporary camps for them.
The earthquake also destroyed over 7,000 homes, affecting nearly half a million people in total.
In 80 out of 400 assessed villages, more than 6,000 homes were completely destroyed, with another 1,300 damaged, as per UN assessments.
Despite these efforts, the need for additional resources remains pressing, with the UN seeking $139 million over the next four months to assist approximately 457,000 individuals.
Afghanistan is already grappling with multiple crises, including the return of over 1.7 million Afghans from Iran and Pakistan this year, along with internal displacement and severe economic hardships.
The EU plays a significant role in providing aid, especially since the US halted its financial support following the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021.
The situation is particularly concerning for Afghan women, who face restrictive measures imposed by the Taliban under their interpretation of Islamic law.
The UN has taken steps to address these challenges, including adjusting its operations to ensure continued essential work while safeguarding staff members.
