Islamabad: A devastating 6.0 magnitude earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan on August 31 has so far killed more than 2205 people and left over 3,640 injured, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to urgently appeal for US$4 million — roughly Rs1.1 billion — to provide lifesaving health assistance to survivors.
The toll is expected to rise further as entire families remain buried under rubble, with more than 6,782 homes reduced to debris. Thousands have been left homeless and exposed to harsh conditions, while overwhelmed hospitals struggle to cope with an influx of severely injured patients requiring urgent surgeries and critical medical care.
WHO has already dispatched 23 metric tons of medicines and supplies, sufficient to treat more than 2,000 patients, and mobilized 15 ambulances along with six mobile health teams operating in the hardest-hit districts of Kunar, Nangarhar, Laghman and Nuristan. These teams are providing first aid, outpatient treatment, maternal and child health services, vaccinations and essential medicines.
To relieve pressure on local hospitals, more than 24,000 units of intravenous fluids have been distributed, while 17 WHO-supported surveillance teams are monitoring health conditions on the ground to detect and respond to potential outbreaks at the earliest.
“When we speak of casualties, we are speaking of families and communities in crisis,” said Dr. Mukta Sharma, WHO Deputy Representative in Afghanistan. “Our teams are working around the clock to deliver lifesaving care in areas devastated by the earthquake. The needs are immense. We urgently require more resources to sustain our operations and prevent further losses.”
Thousands of displaced families are living in overcrowded shelters with scarce access to clean water and sanitation, raising the risk of disease outbreaks. WHO has also warned of an urgent need for mental health and psychosocial support for traumatized survivors.
“Every hour counts,” said Dr. Jamshed Tanoli, WHO’s Health Emergency Team Lead in Afghanistan. “Hospitals are struggling, families are grieving and survivors have lost everything. With timely support we can expand trauma care, prevent disease and provide vital mental health services. Without it, lives will continue to be lost.”
WHO said the US$4 million (PKR 1.1 billion) appeal will fund lifesaving health interventions, expand mobile health services, and support water, sanitation and hygiene activities in the quake-hit districts.
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