UN Calls for Urgent Reconstruction of Quake-Damaged Homes in Eastern Afghanistan

The UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) has urged the immediate reconstruction of homes destroyed in the recent earthquake in eastern Afghanistan, stressing that new housing must be built to withstand future seismic shocks.
According to UN-Habitat, thousands of Afghan families have lost everything—their homes, livelihoods, and even loved ones—as a result of the disaster. The Taliban administration, however, has so far failed to deliver an effective or coordinated response to the humanitarian crisis.
Stephanie Löw, head of UN-Habitat in Afghanistan, issued the appeal after visiting Kunar province, one of the worst-affected areas. She emphasized the urgent need to rebuild homes with higher quality and resilience against natural disasters.
The call comes amid significant obstacles to aid delivery, as security concerns and the Taliban’s lack of coordinated governance continue to hinder access to many affected areas. Experts warn that without effective reconstruction, displaced families risk prolonged homelessness and a worsening humanitarian crisis.