On the night of June 21st, a powerful earthquake of 5.9 magnitude hit Paktika province in eastern Afghanistan. I’d like to update you.
There are now a dozen orphaned children looking for a place to live. Communication lines to the area have been completely destroyed, and 2 schools are badly damaged, which forecloses the only ray of hope that many children had for their future. And now, the spread of cholera has emerged as a concern in emergency shelters.
The earthquake struck at a time when increased restrictions on Afghan women and girls have amplified their needs and also complicated efforts to assist them. With their right to move and work being curtailed in the country, they are disproportionately impacted by this latest crisis, especially in accessing food, healthcare and safe shelter.
Notwithstanding the phenomenal generosity that international donors have shown, there are major concerns whether the most vulnerable can be saved.
I would really love to know what you think. Please share your thoughts in the comments here below.
