Amnesty International has urgently called for international aid following a catastrophic 6.0-magnitude earthquake that devastated parts of eastern Afghanistan on August 31. The tremor, which primarily affected the provinces of Kunar, Nangarhar, and Laghman, left thousands dead or injured, obliterating entire villages and displacing numerous families.

In a heartfelt statement, Babu Ram Pant, the Deputy Regional Director for South Asia at Amnesty International, conveyed his deepest condolences to those mourning the loss of loved ones. He strongly urged the Taliban authorities to allow humanitarian groups immediate and unrestricted access to the affected areas to facilitate aid and recovery efforts.

Highlighting the critical need for equitable aid distribution, Amnesty International emphasized that assistance should prioritize the most vulnerable groups, including women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. This call comes against the backdrop of an already dire humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, where nearly 22 million people are in need of aid due to ongoing crises, reduced donor support, and widespread deportations.

In response to the disaster, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has initiated an emergency appeal, seeking 25 million Swiss francs to aid the victims. This fund aims to cover immediate needs like emergency shelter, cash assistance, primary healthcare, and access to clean water and sanitation. The plan also includes providing transitional shelters and long-term safe housing solutions, with projects extending into 2027.

The IFRC's commitment reflects its extensive experience in handling humanitarian crises in unstable regions, acknowledging the compounded challenges faced by the Afghan people due to natural disasters, armed conflicts, and economic hardships.

Both Amnesty International and the IFRC have stressed the importance of a swift and coordinated international response to prevent further suffering and to support the dignity and rights of the earthquake survivors. They reminded the global community of its obligation to stand with the people of Afghanistan during this critical time of need.

As international organizations rally to support Afghanistan, the effectiveness of their efforts will largely depend on the cooperation of local authorities and the continued engagement of the global community. The situation remains dire, and the need for a unified humanitarian response has never been more urgent.