UN Appeals for $140m to Aid Afghanistan Quake Victims

The United Nations has launched an appeal for $139.6 million to assist half a million people affected by the devastating earthquakes that struck eastern Afghanistan in late August and early September. It has urged donors to prioritise humanitarian needs over political concerns about the Taliban authorities.

The quakes, Afghanistan’s deadliest in years, killed more than 2,200 people and left tens of thousands homeless. Survivors in remote mountain regions now face the threat of landslides and harsh winter conditions, which are expected to set in within weeks.

“This is a moment where the international community must dig deep and show solidarity with a population that has already endured so much suffering,” said Indrika Ratwatte, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Afghanistan.

Funding shortfalls remain a major obstacle. Humanitarian support for Afghanistan has dropped by 35 per cent compared with last year, with the United States yet to release funds following the disaster. A lack of resources has already grounded helicopters that could have delivered aid to remote villages.

Donors have expressed reluctance to channel funds due to the Taliban’s policies, particularly restrictions on women’s rights. The UN has urged governments to focus on the plight of ordinary Afghans instead.

The World Health Organization has also called on the Taliban to lift restrictions on female aid workers, who are barred from travelling without male guardians. Ratwatte noted that including women in relief teams remains a challenge but stressed ongoing efforts to ensure female participation.