Devastating Earthquake in Eastern Afghanistan Causes Severe Agricultural Damage, FAO Reports
A 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck the eastern provinces of Kunar and Nangarhar in the early hours today, causing widespread damage to farmland, livestock, and rural infrastructure. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), nearly half a million people now require urgent humanitarian assistance.
Isolated Villages, Vulnerable Populations
Repeated aftershocks have triggered landslides and road blockages, trapping many families in remote areas. This disaster comes against the backdrop of Afghanistan facing four consecutive years of drought and below-average rainfall. In the eastern provinces, heavy rains and floods have already damaged agricultural lands, further straining rural livelihoods.
New Assessment by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
The FAO office in Afghanistan conducted field assessments following the earthquake across five districts: Chapadara, Nurgal, and Sorkhi in Kunar, Dar-e-Nur in Nangarhar, and Wigal in Nuristan. Covering 53 villages, the evaluation indicates approximately 173,000 people in these areas have been directly affected.
Destruction of Agricultural Land
At the time of the earthquake, maize crops were nearly ready for harvest. Many fields and irrigation canals were destroyed, causing farmers to lose a significant portion of their produce. Given the small size of farms, typically less than half a hectare, even limited damage can mean complete loss of income for families.
Collapse of Irrigation Systems
The greatest damage to irrigation canals was reported in Nurgal and Sorkhi districts. The destruction of this infrastructure has severely reduced water access and rendered fertile lands unusable. Immediate reconstruction of these canals is a top priority for local communities.
Heavy Livestock Losses
FAO reports that in over half of the surveyed villages, 30 or more cattle have died. Livestock provide critical sources of milk, dairy products, and agricultural labor for many families, making their loss a serious threat to food security.
Market Disruptions and Blocked Roads
Before the earthquake, farmers sent their products to markets in Jalalabad, Khost, Peshawar, and Kabul. Now, blocked roads have paralyzed local travel and trade. Residents in areas distant from the Kunar River report significant difficulties selling their crops or purchasing seeds and fertilizer.
Urgent Needs of Rural Communities
According to the FAO, the immediate priorities include rebuilding irrigation canals and providing tractors. Assistance with product marketing is also deemed essential. In some mountainous regions, families are requesting fodder and shelter for their livestock to protect remaining herds.
Warning of a Livelihood Crisis
The FAO has warned that without timely reconstruction of infrastructure and agricultural aid, affected communities will face a vicious cycle of poverty and food insecurity. The organization stresses that supporting maize production, ensuring irrigation water supply, providing livestock fodder, and reopening marketing routes are vital to preventing the collapse of rural livelihoods.
