Aid Efforts Hampered by Funding Shortfalls After Afghanistan Earthquake
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported that weeks after a deadly earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan, relief efforts remain sluggish due to a severe lack of funding. According to OCHA, approximately 211,000 residents in the affected areas have received assistance so far, but only $35 million of the $111.5 million required has been secured.
OCHA warned that without additional resources, the ability of aid organizations to deliver life-saving support during the upcoming winter season will be severely constrained. There are growing concerns that thousands of vulnerable families, particularly those in remote areas, may be left without adequate shelter, food, or heating supplies.
The recent earthquake caused widespread destruction to homes, infrastructure, and daily life in parts of Afghanistan’s eastern provinces. Despite the urgent need, the Taliban authorities have, at times, obstructed the free and effective access of aid organizations to affected regions, rather than facilitating their operations.
OCHA and other international bodies have called on the global community to urgently provide funding to prevent the humanitarian situation from deteriorating further. They cautioned that without greater support, the lives of thousands of people will be at serious risk.
