UN Coordinates with Taliban to Assist Earthquake Victims in Northern Afghanistan

According to preliminary reports from the United Nations, a 6.3 magnitude earthquake that struck northern Afghanistan early on Monday, November 2, has killed at least 20 people and injured more than 900. The provinces of Balkh and Samangan recorded the highest number of casualties and damages.

Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the United Nations, stated in a press briefing that the international body is working in coordination with the Taliban administration and relevant agencies to assess the situation and organize humanitarian aid for the affected population. He noted that even before the earthquake, residents of these regions were already facing severe economic, service, and environmental challenges, particularly following the return of over two million Afghan nationals from neighboring countries this year.

Haq warned that the current situation is exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis in these areas, while UN efforts to secure necessary aid continue to face severe funding shortages. According to him, just over one-third of the required $2.4 billion humanitarian budget for Afghanistan has been raised so far, leaving a shortfall of more than $1.5 billion.

While the international community continues to emphasize support for the Afghan people, the Taliban administration’s ineffectiveness in reducing vulnerabilities, preventing natural disasters, and managing crises has worsened the country’s humanitarian situation, posing serious challenges for millions of residents.