![Tents housing people displaced by the magnitude 6.0 earthquake that struck Afghanistan on August 31, in Diwa Gul valley in Kunar province [Sorin Furcoi/Al Jazeera]](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20770%20513'%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Afghanistan’s Double Crisis: Earthquake Devastates Returnees in Kunar Province
Noorgal, Kunar, Afghanistan – The recent earthquake that struck Afghanistan has left a profound impact on the lives of many, particularly those who have recently returned from exile. Nawab Din, a 55-year-old farmer, is one such individual. After spending eight years as a refugee in Pakistan, he returned to his home village of Wadir in Kunar province just four months ago, only to find his life shattered once again.
On August 31, a powerful earthquake measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale struck the region, claiming approximately 2,200 lives and destroying over 5,000 homes. For Din, the disaster has compounded the challenges he faced after returning to Afghanistan, where he now lives in a tent on his own farmland. “We lost everything we have worked for in Pakistan, and now we lost everything here,” he lamented, highlighting the dual tragedies that have befallen him and countless others.
The Return of Refugees
Din’s story is emblematic of a larger trend. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), more than four million Afghans have returned from Iran and Pakistan since September 2023. Many of these returnees, like Din, fled their homes due to violence and instability, often at the hands of groups like ISIS. Din himself was forced to leave Afghanistan after refusing to join the militant group, a decision that led to his years of displacement in Pakistan.
His return was not voluntary; it was precipitated by a crackdown on undocumented migrants by the Pakistani government. Din recounted how police raided his home, leading to his family’s deportation. “We had to spend two nights at Torkham border crossing until we were registered by Afghan authorities,” he explained, emphasizing the precarious nature of his return.
The Aftermath of the Earthquake
The earthquake has exacerbated the already dire situation for many returnees. In nearby Barabat village, 58-year-old Sadat Khan faced a similar fate. He had returned to Afghanistan seeking better health and opportunities for his family, only to see his rented home reduced to rubble. “We don’t know where the next meal will come from,” he said, expressing the despair that has gripped many families in the region.
The destruction of homes has left many families without shelter as winter approaches. Khan’s attempts to secure a tent from local authorities have gone unanswered, forcing him to rely on the kindness of relatives for temporary shelter. “My uncle had mercy on me and let me stay in one room in his house,” he shared, highlighting the community’s struggle to support one another amid widespread devastation.
A Broader Context of Crisis
The earthquake is just one of many crises facing returnees in Kunar. The region is grappling with severe water shortages, which have made farming increasingly difficult. “Our land is barren, and we have no stream or river close to the village,” Din explained, underscoring the challenges of agricultural life in a region heavily dependent on rainfall.
Dr. Farida Safi, a nutritionist working with Islamic Relief in the aftermath of the earthquake, noted that malnutrition is becoming a significant issue. “Most of the people affected by the quake that come to us have food deficiency,” she stated, revealing the dire nutritional conditions that many families face.
Government Response and Future Prospects
In response to the crisis, Kunar’s Governor, Mawlawi Qudratullah, announced plans to build a new town with 382 residential plots for those displaced by the earthquake. This initiative, part of a broader national program directed by the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing, aims to provide permanent housing for Afghan returnees. However, the timeline for completion remains uncertain, leaving many families in limbo.
“It will be for those people who don’t have any land or house in this province,” Qudratullah explained. Yet, for individuals like Din, who are living in the ruins of their former homes, such promises feel distant and unfulfilled. “I don’t know if the government will relocate us down in the plains or if they will help us rebuild,” he said, his voice heavy with uncertainty.
The Ongoing Struggle
As the aftershocks of the earthquake continue to rattle the region, the fear of further destruction looms large. Din expressed his anxiety about the future, stating, “I fear we might be forced to continue to live in a camp, even as aftershocks continue to hit.” This sentiment resonates with many in Kunar, where the combination of natural disaster and socio-economic instability has created a perfect storm of hardship.
The plight of returnees in Kunar province serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges facing Afghanistan. With millions displaced and struggling to rebuild their lives, the need for immediate humanitarian assistance and long-term solutions has never been more urgent. As winter approaches, the situation remains precarious, and the resilience of these communities will be tested in the months to come.
Conclusion
The recent earthquake in Kunar province has not only devastated homes but has also compounded the struggles of millions of returnees who have already faced significant hardships. As families like those of Nawab Din and Sadat Khan navigate the aftermath of this disaster, the need for comprehensive support and sustainable solutions becomes increasingly critical. The international community, alongside local authorities, must prioritize the urgent needs of these vulnerable populations to help them rebuild their lives and restore hope in a region marked by adversity.
