Christian Organizations Mobilize Aid for Afghan Earthquake Victims
(Photo: Tearfund partner)
The recent powerful earthquakes in Afghanistan have prompted urgent relief efforts by Christian charities to aid the affected communities. The devastating tremors struck late Sunday night, with another hitting the northeastern region on Tuesday, causing extensive damage.
Tearfund, a leading charity involved in the relief efforts, is focusing its operations on the areas most affected by the disaster, where landslides and rockfalls have isolated mountain villages.
Through its partners, Tearfund is delivering critical health services, clean water, cash aid, emergency shelter, and food to those who have lost their homes and belongings.
Solomon Cornelius, Tearfund’s Country Director for Afghanistan, highlighted the operational hurdles. “Tearfund’s partners are navigating the difficult mountainous terrain to be able to reach communities cut off by landslides,” he stated.
One of the survivors, Ahmed, aged 42, recounted the tragedy of losing his daughters when the roof of their home collapsed during the quake as they slept inside.
Cornelius emphasized the broader needs, “Alongside the practical needs for emergency shelter and food, there is also a need for compassion and support for people like Abdul who have lost family and friends in this deadly earthquake.”
The calamity has resulted in over 1,400 fatalities, with thousands more injured. Rescue efforts in some regions have seen villagers digging through debris with bare hands in search of survivors.
Tearfund has issued an urgent appeal for donations to aid families in crisis and support their long-term recovery.
In parallel efforts, Christian Aid has initiated a fundraising appeal and has already allocated £50,000 to its local partner, the Organisation for Coordination of Humanitarian Relief (OCHR), but stresses that further financial help is crucial.
Yaqoob Rauf, Christian Aid’s acting country manager in Afghanistan, relayed reports from partners about the severe impact on communities, noting that many mud and wood homes collapsed, and helicopters have been deployed to evacuate the wounded.
Rauf remarked on the compounded crises faced by Afghanistan, explaining, “a devastating blow, coming on top of the 2023 earthquake in Herat and the continuing dire economic situation. Even before this heartbreaking earthquake, Afghanistan was under immense strain”.
Christian Aid’s ongoing relief initiatives are supplying food, potable water, shelter, and essential items, with a focus on the safety of women and girls.
The charity has provided a dedicated web page for further information on how individuals and churches can contribute to the cause, which includes a prayer guide for worship purposes.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
