Powerful Earthquake Devastates Afghan Village, Leaves 800 Dead

A powerful earthquake struck the village of Wadir in eastern Afghanistan on March 11, 2024, leaving no household untouched by death or injury. The 6.0-magnitude quake reduced homes to rubble and caused widespread devastation as aftershocks continued to rattle the area. Eyewitness accounts depict a scene of despair, with many families asleep when the tremor struck in the dead of night.

Rescue efforts have been urgent and chaotic. “In every home at least one person was killed or injured,” said Gul Mohammad Rasooli, a 55-year-old resident who himself sustained injuries. The remnants of deceased livestock lay scattered among the debris, while the cries of grieving families filled the air, creating a haunting backdrop to the rescue operations.

Rescue Operations and Human Toll

As rescuers sift through collapsed structures, the human toll is becoming increasingly apparent. The initial reports indicate that more than 800 people have died, with thousands more injured. Hospitals in the nearby city of Jalalabad, located approximately 40 kilometres (25 miles) away, are overwhelmed with patients, as doctors and nurses work tirelessly to provide care amid the influx of stretchers.

The earthquake’s impact is particularly severe in Wadir, where around 1,000 homes are nestled in the mountains of Kunar province. Many of these homes belonged to Afghans recently expelled from neighbouring Pakistan, who were already struggling to rebuild their lives. “It won’t be wrong to tell you that nine out of ten people are either dead or hurt,” stated Fazel Rabih, a 38-year-old doctor delivering first aid in the aftermath.

Rescue operations face additional challenges due to the ongoing aftershocks. Helicopters from the Taliban government have been ferrying supplies such as bread and water to survivors, while also transporting the seriously injured to medical facilities. As rescue workers continue their efforts, they remain undeterred by the tremors that echo through the mountains.

Community Resilience Amid Despair

Residents are grappling with the enormity of the disaster. Mohammad Jawad, a 20-year-old villager, described the moment of the quake: “When the earthquake happened it was so strong I ran out of the house and it immediately collapsed behind me.” Among his family of ten, one person lost their life, while most others suffered injuries.

The community faces a daunting reality as the forecast calls for inclement weather in the coming days. “If anyone is alive under the rubble, they may not survive,” warned village mullah Irfan Ulhaq. The absence of shelter for survivors adds to the urgency of the situation, as dark rain clouds loom overhead.

As the situation evolves, the need for international assistance becomes increasingly critical. Afghanistan, one of the poorest countries in the world, has long been vulnerable to natural disasters. The effects of climate change are expected to exacerbate these challenges, making recovery efforts even more complex.

In the face of overwhelming adversity, the resilience of the affected communities shines through. Yet, as families mourn their losses and search for survivors, the road to recovery will be long and fraught with challenges.