Aid Declines Six Months After Kunar Earthquake, Threatening Vital Services
The Norwegian Refugee Council has reported a significant decrease in humanitarian aid six months after the deadly earthquake in Kunar province, warning that some essential services may be halted. The organization cautioned that without immediate support, affected families face the risk of being displaced again.
Jacopo Caridi, the council’s representative, said on Thursday, February 25, that thousands of families who lost their homes in the August earthquake remain in an uncertain situation. According to him, many of these families have been living in tents or temporary shelters over the past six months, enduring the harsh winter and difficult conditions with only basic facilities.
Caridi added that the budgets for many aid organizations, including the Norwegian Refugee Council, have been exhausted, and without new funding, they will be forced to cease their operations. He stressed that the reduction in aid could compel families to migrate to other parts of the country in search of basic services and better opportunities, a scenario that would increase internal displacement.
The organization also stated that the lack of funding for humanitarian operations in Afghanistan has created significant gaps in responding to the needs of the affected population. According to the provided data, less than one percent of the required budget for 2026 has been secured so far.
While crisis management in the country is the responsibility of the Taliban administration, aid agencies have repeatedly expressed concerns over the lack of effective coordination and insufficient resources to provide sustainable responses to the needs of the affected people. This situation has placed the greatest burden on residents of the earthquake-affected areas.
