Why children are particularly suffering after Afghanistan's devastating earthquake | DW News

Key Concepts:

• Earthquake aftermath in Afghanistan
• Humanitarian crisis exacerbated by reduced foreign aid
• Impact on children (orphaning, lack of resources)
• Challenges in reaching affected areas (terrain, rockfalls)
• Urgent need for international funding and support
• Closure of health facilities due to funding cuts

Earthquake Devastation and Aftermath

• Two aftershocks struck eastern Afghanistan following Sunday's earthquake, increasing fears of further casualties and destruction.
• The death toll from Sunday's earthquake has reached at least 2,200.
• Rescue and relief efforts are hampered by rough terrain and funding cuts.
• Thousands of homes have been destroyed.
• Survivors recount being trapped under rubble and losing family members. One survivor was trapped for several hours until his uncle rescued him. Another survivor lost five family members when their room collapsed.
• Rescuers face challenges reaching survivors due to the terrain and aftershocks.
• The Taliban government estimates over 2,000 deaths and more than 3,000 injuries.
• The UN reports a desperate need for food, medical supplies, and shelter in the affected regions.

Humanitarian Crisis and Impact on Children

• Afghanistan is in a prolonged humanitarian crisis due to decades of conflict.
• Foreign aid has been significantly reduced since the Taliban took power in 2021, weakening the country's ability to respond to disasters.
• Abdul Rahman Sharif, a senior humanitarian director at Save the Children International, describes the situation as a "crisis within a crisis."
• Over 260,000 children are affected by the earthquake, with at least 270 orphaned, according to the UN.
• Rockfalls are making it difficult to reach villages, with medical teams walking 20 kilometers to reach cut-off areas.
• Families are sleeping in the open without shelter due to aftershocks and unsafe buildings.
• Families are desperate for help with burying family members, treating injuries, and providing clean water and food, especially for children.
• The earthquake destroyed not only homes but also essential supplies like food, water, clothes, and cooking pots.
• Save the Children is supporting hundreds of children, but thousands more urgently need help.

Funding Cuts and Their Consequences

• The international community has drastically cut back humanitarian aid for Afghanistan.
• Save the Children is calling on the international community to urgently release emergency funds and prioritize children's needs.
• Without immediate and sustained action, children face severe threats to their health, safety, and well-being.
• The crisis is severely under-resourced, underfunded, and overlooked, with children paying the heaviest price.
• Funding cuts have overwhelmed humanitarian teams, including local responders and international organizations.
• "We have the way we see it as if the children a collective responsibility not to look away. The international community must not walk away from Afghanistan after decades of involvement and promises to its people," says Abdul Rahman Sharif.
• Lack of funding has led to the closure of health centers, impacting access to healthcare, safe childbirth, and vaccinations for children.
• An estimated 200 to 400 health facilities have closed across the country due to funding cuts.

Call to Action

• The international community must not turn its back on Afghanistan after years of involvement.
• Sustained funding and support are urgently needed to back local efforts and ensure children and families are not left alone in the crisis.
• Donors must step up with urgent funding and support to ensure that Afghan children and their families are not left without the assistance and hope they desperately need.

Synthesis/Conclusion:

The earthquake in Afghanistan has exacerbated an existing humanitarian crisis, particularly impacting children. Reduced foreign aid is hindering rescue and relief efforts, leading to a lack of essential resources and closure of vital health facilities. The international community is urged to urgently release emergency funds and provide sustained support to prevent further suffering and ensure the well-being of Afghan children and families.