Kunar’s Earthquake Survivors Struggle for Shelter as Winter Approaches

Earthquake survivors in Kunar Province are still living in tents as winter approaches, and they are urging for adequate shelter.

Earthquake Survivors in Kunar Facing Harsh Winter Conditions

A significant number of earthquake survivors in Kunar Province continue to live in tents as the cold season sets in. Arab Khan Hakiyar, a resident of Chels village in the Chawkay district, shared with Radio Azadi, “We spent the entire last year in a tent, and now, as winter approaches, we find ourselves once again without proper shelter.” He emphasized that the earthquake last year not only claimed the lives of his family members but also destroyed his home.

Concerns for Earthquake Survivors as Winter Approaches

Malik Abdul Samad, another villager, expressed that women and children in the tents are suffering from various illnesses. He voiced his concerns regarding the harsh conditions they are likely to face in the upcoming winter, stating, “If no solution is found for the people’s shelter, we will once again be exposed to the cold under the snow and rain this winter.”

Taliban Government Efforts to Assist Earthquake Survivors

Local officials from the Taliban government in Kunar Province have stated that they are working to provide assistance to earthquake victims soon. Mawlawi Mohammad Mobeen, the head of the Natural Disaster Management Authority, mentioned that around 1,200 homes have been constructed for the survivors. However, he emphasized that this process is time-consuming and cannot be expedited.

Critical Situation for Earthquake Survivors in Kunar

The situation for earthquake survivors in Kunar Province is so dire that international organizations have also expressed their concerns. UNICEF reported that approximately 7,600 families are living in tents and are facing budget shortfalls for winter aid. The International Committee of the Red Cross has also highlighted the fundamental issues these families face regarding access to clean water and health services in their reports.