A magnitude 6 earthquake that struck Afghanistan on June 22 killed more than 1,000 people and left more than 1,500 injured, according to United Nations figures, shaking parts of the country following the deadliest earthquake. country in two decades. As aftershocks continue in the region, some areas are still waiting for help.
More than 10,000 homes, most of which were made of mud and clay, were damaged or destroyed. to provide assistance. Logistics is a big challenge. Deliveries must be flown to the capital Kabul, then loaded onto smaller trucks and helicopters for the final parts of the journey to get help in the more remote villages.
Afghanistan is already suffering from a host of humanitarian issues, making disaster recovery difficult. The country turned into a famine and economic crisis after the US armed forces withdrew in August and the Taliban took over the Afghan government, urging the international community to cut off non-humanitarian aid.
Immediately after the earthquake, the Taliban issued an international call for help. The United States on Tuesday pledged an additional $ 55 million in humanitarian aid for shelter supplies, household items and post-earthquake sanitation efforts. In total, the United States has sent more than $ 700 million in humanitarian aid over the past year, according to the State Department, in an effort to help the people of Afghanistan.
Humanitarian aid is difficult to manage even with effective programs in place, but Afghanistan could cause additional concerns, especially for those donating from the US, as the US has placed the Taliban under a number of sanctions. Donations on crowdfunding sites cannot be transferred to Afghan banks due to those sanctions. The best and most effective way to get help to those affected by the earthquake is to donate to NGOs.
The following NGOs have a proven track record of aid in a humanitarian crisis. Donate to help those affected by Wednesday’s earthquake.
Here are some ways to help
Donate to the World Food Program: Afghanistan suffered a food crisis even before the earthquake, which has now worsened.
With more than 1,000 deaths, children were always affected, either directly or by the loss of a family member. UNICEF has been supporting children around the world for almost 80 years.
The Red Cross and the Red Crescent have already mobilized to help the people of Afghanistan with food and aid delivery.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs is assisting the Afghan government in helping as many people as possible.
Islamic Relief is a Muslim NGO founded in 1984 in the United Kingdom by doctors and activists dedicated to disaster response.
UNHCR’s work in Afghanistan focuses on protecting the most vulnerable and assisting newly displaced Afghans with life-saving shelter, food, water and nuclear relief items.
With thousands displaced, the International Rescue Committee can help provide aid, health care and support to Afghans affected by the earthquake.
International Medical Corps was the first to respond in the Gayan district of Afghanistan, mobilizing personnel and ambulances and providing critical trauma care to affected communities.
Save the Children directly supported communities and protected children’s rights across Afghanistan.
How to avoid charity scams
- Make sure the place where you donate is a legitimate organization or group that has a proven track record of providing assistance.
- Do your research to determine if organizations are legal. Charity Navigator lists trusted organizations. Great Nonprofits and Give Well has reviews from nonprofits and can help you see how much of your money goes directly to relief.
