Taliban Says It Will Provide New Homes for Earthquake Victims in Western Afghanistan
Human Crisis Deepens
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October 11, 2023
Above, Voice of America, a broadcast company funded whole or in part by the American government, captures the scene of earthquake aftermath in Herat Province, Afghanistan.
The Taliban has pledged to provide new homes for the victims of the devastating earthquakes that struck western Afghanistan over the weekend, according to a statement released by a provincial government on Tuesday, October 10.
The humanitarian crisis cotninues to worsen in the region, ReliefWeb reported. At the time of this report, Afghans in the affected region were afraid to return to their homes due to persistent aftershocks. In some cases, housing was decimated, as footage from American government broadcast Voice of America showed (see above video.)
During his visit to the disaster zone, Deputy Prime Minister of Economic Affairs, Abdul Ghani Baradar, made the promise to distribute the collected donations to survivors in need, media reports explained. Baradar also held meetings with local officials, businessmen, community representatives, and health workers to assess the situation on the ground.
The earthquakes, which hit Afghanistan's western province of Herat on Saturday, left at least 20 villages completely flattened. The Taliban-run government reported a death toll of approximately 2,400 people, with thousands more injured.
However, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has estimated more than 1,000 deaths and over 11,000 people affected.
While most search-and-rescue operations have concluded, residents of the region remain in a state of deep shock, spending their time outside in fear of aftershocks.
The US Geological Survey has recorded a total of nine tremors since the weekend.
The Taliban's promise to provide new homes for the earthquake victims is a significant step in addressing the immediate needs of the affected population. The pledge highlights the government's commitment to supporting its citizens during these trying times.
The international community has also sprung into action to assist in the relief efforts. Humanitarian organizations are mobilizing resources and coordinating with local authorities to provide medical aid, food, and shelter to those affected.
The United Nations has expressed its solidarity with the people of Afghanistan and stands ready to provide additional support as needed.
The earthquake in Herat province serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of communities in earthquake-prone areas. It underscores the importance of robust disaster preparedness and response mechanisms to mitigate the impact of natural disasters and save lives.
As the recovery and rebuilding process begins, it is crucial for all stakeholders to work together to ensure the efficient and equitable distribution of aid. Transparency and accountability must be prioritized to instill trust and confidence in the relief efforts.
The Taliban's commitment to providing new homes for the earthquake victims reflects a positive development in their governance approach. It is an opportunity for the group to demonstrate its ability to effectively address the needs and concerns of the Afghan people.
In the coming days and weeks, the focus will shift towards long-term reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts. The international community, along with the Afghan government, must continue to support the affected communities in rebuilding their lives and livelihoods.
The road to recovery is expected to be long and arduous.