On October 7, the western province of Afghanistan experienced a devastating earthquake, accompanied by numerous aftershocks. This seismic event plunged the people of Afghanistan, especially those in Herat, into profound misery, resulting in the loss of hundreds of lives. Last night, the United Nations reported at least 320 fatalities, with the number of victims rising steadily. Some Herat residents fear the casualties might exceed a thousand. Afghanistan, marred by decades of warfare and human violence, has also endured catastrophic natural disasters in recent years. In August of the previous year, a powerful earthquake struck the provinces of Paktika and Khost, claiming over a thousand lives and causing substantial financial damage. Presently, there are concerns that the toll from the Herat earthquake might rival last year’s tragedy.
Natural disasters can strike any country or society. However, in nations where these events are not accurately predicted, and adequate preparations are not made, the impact of such disasters deepens. In societies like Afghanistan, where natural disasters are neither accurately predicted nor managed effectively when they occur, the toll in terms of human lives and property damage is immense. The high casualty count from yesterday’s earthquake underscores the absence of forecasting, preparation, and efficient post-disaster management. Videos circulating on social media depict victims’ bodies lying on the ground, even though 12 hours have passed since the earthquake struck, and people lack the means to transport them. Moreover, residents have lamented the delayed arrival of rescue teams and the sluggishness of the response efforts. There are distressing videos showing individuals digging through rubble with their bare hands to extract victims, inadvertently exacerbating the casualty count.
A portion of this lack of preparation and mismanagement can be traced back to previous governments. Corruption and inertia have plagued the Afghan government for years. Rulers indulged in luxury, constructed harems, and engaged in futile conflicts. Some leaders, such as Nader Khan and the Taliban, shut down schools and educational centers, while others embezzled funds meant for teachers’ salaries and school construction, further hindering societal development. Consequently, Afghanistan remains a society plagued by illiteracy and lacks essential infrastructure and institutions capable of accurately predicting natural disasters. In this underdeveloped society, houses are constructed without consideration for geological faults, rendering them vulnerable to earthquakes. Corruption and periodic opposition to education have left the populace dwelling in rudimentary structures ill-suited for the 21st century. These fragile buildings transform into death traps during natural disasters, claiming numerous lives.
Another aspect of this mismanagement in yesterday’s incident can be directly attributed to the Taliban group. Lacking professional knowledge to combat natural disasters and lacking financial resources and tools, the Taliban have discouraged relief organizations with their stringent policies. In Afghanistan, international aid organizations have filled the void left by the weak government structures, be it during the republican era or the Taliban rule. However, these organizations have faced challenges under the Taliban’s rule. Taliban commanders and officials have repeatedly meddled in these organizations’ affairs, forcing some to leave Afghanistan or halt their operations. These unwarranted interferences and the diversion of international aid have hindered the efforts of global institutions, impeding their ability to assist, especially in emergencies like the Herat earthquake.
Expecting the Taliban to manage yesterday’s incident effectively is unrealistic. Throughout their tenure, the Taliban have demonstrated a lack of concern for the Afghan people’s well-being. Since the Taliban restricted the media, citizens were left in the dark during the disaster. Last night, while citizens sought updates on the Herat earthquake and the situation of their compatriots from domestic and foreign media, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid used a Twitter space program to boast about “defeating the United States.” The plight of the Afghan people holds no significance for this group.
In this scenario, where the global community pays limited attention to the Afghan people, it falls upon the people of Afghanistan to alleviate the suffering caused by the Herat earthquake. Social media users in Afghanistan expressed their collective concern and sympathy for the victims of the Herat earthquake. Some individuals decided to travel from Herat city to Zindajan district to aid the victims, while other groups prepared to offer assistance in any way possible. This sense of solidarity among the Afghan people witnessed previously during the flash flood incident in Charikar city three years ago, demonstrates their resilience. Following that incident, individuals from various regions of the country assisted the victims to the best of their abilities. Now, in the wake of the earthquake that has devastated several villages in Herat, the people of Afghanistan can once again extend a helping hand to their fellow citizens, providing support to the families affected by yesterday’s tragedy. In a situation where the government is absent, and the Taliban complicates matters for international institutions, the people themselves remain the most reliable source of aid for their compatriots.
