Kunar Earthquake Victims Spend Eid al-Fitr in Tents

Earthquake victims in Kunar province spent Eid al-Fitr in tents, contrary to their hopes of celebrating in their homes.

Nearly seven months ago, a devastating earthquake struck Kunar, killing 2,205 people, including women and children, and injuring 3,640 others. The quake completely or partially destroyed nearly 7,000 residential houses and damaged about 500 hectares of agricultural land.

Abdullah, one of the affected residents, said: "We have martyrs and wounded; as you see, here in tents even the disabled, widows, and orphans live."

Muhbullah, another victim, appealed to the government: "We ask the government to build houses for us by next Eid so we can return to our homes."

Amirjan, a resident of Mazār Valley in Norgal district, recounted losing family members and his home in the earthquake. "In the past earthquake, three of my children were martyred, my house was completely destroyed, and all my possessions, including my livestock, were lost," he said. "After the earthquake, we came to this place; but this winter, one nephew and one niece also died."

Local officials stated that house construction for earthquake victims has begun under the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, with some affected families returning to their areas. Mohammad Ebrahimkhil, head of Refugees and Returnees Affairs in Kunar, said: "Houses have been built for some earthquake victims by the Islamic Emirate and this process continues until houses are built for all. In this regard, special guidance has been issued, and we are in contact with aid institutions to address their problems regularly."