OCHA Warns Budget Shortfall Deepens Crisis for Earthquake Victims in Southeast Afghanistan

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has stated that, four years after the deadly earthquake in southeastern Afghanistan, many affected families still face serious difficulties in their daily lives. Without immediate aid, their situation is expected to worsen. On Wednesday, June 24, OCHA wrote on its X page that a lack of financial resources has hindered effective response to the needs of earthquake victims. According to the agency, by mid-last year, only 17 percent of the required budget for humanitarian assistance had been secured—an amount insufficient to meet the scale of needs. The agency also previously reported that 16 million people in Afghanistan require clean water and health services this year. The ongoing budget shortfall comes as many residents of affected areas still lack adequate shelter, health services, and sustainable income sources. Relief organizations have repeatedly emphasized that addressing the basic needs of citizens is also the responsibility of the Taliban administration, which must facilitate effective cooperation with international bodies and ensure unobstructed access for aid delivery. Nevertheless, the continuing economic crisis and reduction in global aid have cast a shadow of uncertainty over the future of thousands of vulnerable families.