A powerful 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan's Paktika Province early Saturday, claiming over 1,000 lives and leaving villages in ruins. Survivors interviewed by CGTN Global Stringer described scenes of chaos as families dug through rubble with bare hands, underscoring the urgent need for international aid.
'We lost children, elders, everything. No one has come to help us yet,' said one villager, echoing widespread frustration over delays in rescue efforts. Local authorities report critical shortages of tents, medical supplies, and clean water, with remote mountainous areas remaining inaccessible.
The disaster highlights Afghanistan's vulnerability to natural crises amid economic collapse and strained global aid networks. United Nations agencies are coordinating emergency responses, but logistical challenges persist. 'This quake is a wake-up call for climate resilience in conflict zones,' noted a relief coordinator working near the epicenter.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
