2LT International News

JALALABAD, Afghanistan: The United Nations has warned that casualties from the powerful earthquake in eastern Afghanistan are likely to rise. The latest count is 2,200, which was reported by Afghan authorities on Thursday. Several thousand more have been injured.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the figures so far reflect only Kunar province, one of several areas hit by the 6.0 magnitude quake on August 31. Entire villages of mud-brick and timber homes were flattened, with survivors trapped beneath the rubble.

Rescue efforts have been hampered by mountainous terrain. Taliban authorities deployed commandos by air to evacuate those stranded in areas inaccessible to helicopters. Aid groups are also struggling to reach isolated communities. Save the Children said one of its teams walked more than 12 miles through landslide-blocked roads to deliver medical supplies, assisted by residents.

On September 2, a 5.2-magnitude aftershock struck near the epicenter, but there were no immediate reports of further damage.

Indrika Ratwatte, the U.N.’s resident coordinator for Afghanistan, said rescuers were in a “race against time” to reach remote villages, warning that casualties could rise sharply. He urged the international community not to overlook Afghanistan, where people are already enduring overlapping crises of conflict, poverty, and forced displacement.

This disaster is the third major earthquake since the Taliban seized power in 2021. It comes as Afghanistan grapples with severe cuts to aid, economic turmoil, and the mass return of Afghans from neighboring countries.

The Taliban government, recognized only by Russia, has appealed for international assistance. However, global aid to Afghanistan remains limited due to competing crises and reduced donor budgets. As of Friday there has been no emergency aid or funding pledged by the United States.

To support relief, the U.N. has released US$5 million from its emergency fund, to be matched by another $5 million from the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund.

According to U.N. spokesman Stéphane Dujarric, at least 25 assessment teams are already on the ground, delivering supplies such as blankets and solar lamps. Aid officials have flagged urgent needs, including shelter, medical kits, clean drinking water, and food.

International donors have pledged support. The U.K. announced £1 million ($1.3 million) for humanitarian groups, bypassing the Taliban government. The European Union is sending 130 tons of emergency supplies and 1 million euros ($1.16 million) in aid. India has dispatched 21 tonnes of relief materials, while China and the U.A.E. have also promised assistance.

Within Kunar, Taliban authorities have set up a camp to coordinate supplies and emergency operations, along with two centers to oversee rescues, burials, and the transport of the injured.