Thousands Dead in Afghanistan Earthquakes as Taliban Faces Criticism for Inadequate Response

Thousands Dead in Afghanistan Earthquakes as Taliban Faces Criticism for Inadequate Response

Thousands of Lives Lost in Devastating Afghanistan Earthquakes

Over the past two weeks, a series of powerful earthquakes in western Afghanistan has resulted in the deaths of thousands of people. The lack of preparedness and response from the Taliban has drawn criticism from relief workers on the ground.

Taliban’s Isolation Hinders Recovery Efforts

Since coming to power in 2021, the Taliban has faced isolation from international support, making it challenging to effectively respond to such disasters. The decision to ban the entry and expel female staff from relief organizations has further complicated recovery efforts.

Deficiencies in Capacity and Equipment

According to Basher, an Afghanistan disaster management expert, the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority (ANDMA) lacks the necessary capabilities to respond effectively. Deficiencies in rescue operations, policies, planning, logistics, human resources, and specialized knowledge have contributed to the challenges faced in the aftermath of the earthquakes. Insufficient equipment, such as life detectors, earthquake alarms, and search dogs, has resulted in delays in rescue operations. Additionally, there has been a lack of adequate training for staff involved in rescue, excavation, and initial response.

Widespread Destruction and High Casualty Rates

The earthquakes have caused significant devastation, with entire villages being completely destroyed and no houses left standing. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), more than 1,480 people have lost their lives, and over 27,150 individuals have been affected in six regions of Herat. The Taliban’s interference and restrictions have further impeded rescue and relief operations.

Taliban’s Interference and Criticism of Response

The distribution of relief supplies has been hindered by the Taliban’s interference, leading to further delays in rescue and relief activities. Local and government officials have demanded sharing relief supplies with them before distributing them to the earthquake victims. The Taliban’s restrictions on women’s freedom and movement have made it challenging for women to access the benefits of post-earthquake relief efforts. Basher, the disaster management expert, has criticized the Taliban for lacking comprehensive plans and policies and operating more like charitable organizations or foundations rather than government departments. The absence of female relief workers has raised concerns about the sustainability of relief operations.

Disproportionate Impact on Women and Children

Women and children have been disproportionately affected by the earthquakes, accounting for over 90% of the fatalities. The high proportion can be attributed to men working outside while women and children were at home during the disaster, increasing their vulnerability.

Fading Hope and Ongoing Search Operations

As time passes, hope for finding loved ones, and even their bodies, is diminishing. Despite the psychological toll and resource shortages, families continue their search operations to find missing relatives. However, search operations are facing difficulties, and the Taliban’s response has been criticized as inadequate.