Sameera Casmod| sameerac@radioislam.co.za
11 October 2023 | 08:51 CAT
2-min read

A 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck part of western Afghanistan on Saturday, 7 October 2023 at 11:11 AFT. It was the first of a series of subsequent quakes in the area, including another one measuring 6.3 this morning (11 October 2023) within the same area. Over 3 000 casualties and 9 000 injuries have been reported. Afghanistan’s geographical location, situated near the Hindu Kush Mountain range, makes it prone to earthquakes, but the death toll this time has been notably higher.

As discussed on the Media Lens on Radio Islam International with Hafez Ibrahim Deen, the media’s coverage of this disaster has been minimal, with only a limited number of articles addressing the issue. However, these articles have been praised for their nuanced coverage, focusing on the earthquake’s natural origins rather than blaming it on governance, particularly the Taliban’s rule.

The humanitarian situation is dire in the aftermath of the recent natural disasters in Afghanistan. The majority of the population faces food and water insecurity, and the province where the earthquake struck, Herat, is particularly water-insecure due to its proximity to the border with Iran.

One overlooked factor affecting the humanitarian situation is the freezing of aid and Afghan funds. This has hindered the country’s ability to respond effectively to the earthquake, as there is a lack of essential health services and equipment to locate survivors. Hypothermia and food shortages are among the life-threatening challenges faced by those affected, especially as winter approaches.

The situation in Afghanistan has revealed the need for immediate action from the international community. The question now is how this disaster will impact the aid sector and relations with the Afghan government. Resilience-building in regions prone to earthquakes and the construction of more durable housing are essential components of the response.

As discussed during the interview, international aid organisations must consider reintroducing aid into Afghanistan, which has faced aid freezes, particularly since December of the previous year due to the government’s NGO law.

With global attention currently diverted by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and other ongoing crises, there is a unique opportunity for flexibility in global responses to the Afghanistan earthquake. The reduced media coverage may alleviate concerns about negative consequences resulting from media narratives, potentially allowing for a more effective response.

As the situation in Afghanistan continues to unfold, it is crucial that the world does not forget the ongoing suffering of the Afghan people. It is vital that international support be garnered to address this silent disaster.

يا الله يا رحمن

Listen to the Media Lens on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat.