Source: Preemptive Love Coalition, June 22, 2022
More than 1,000 in Afghanistan have been confirmed dead and [more than] 1,600 injured in what could be one of the deadliest earthquakes in two decades, at 5.9 in magnitude. The number of casualties is expected to rise, and many are still trapped under the rubble of generations-old homes destroyed in the quake.
It struck in the eastern provinces of Paktika and Khōst, near the border with Pakistan, around 2:30 am [on June 22], when most residents were home, asleep, and unable to quickly flee to open areas. The devastation is widespread, with more than 850 homes completely destroyed, and countless others damaged. This earthquake could affect upwards of a million people.
The last two months have been difficult for many in Afghanistan, apart from political and economic issues. The previous government, with access to western aid, struggled to handle large-scale disasters. The current Taliban rulers simply don’t have the infrastructure in place to handle it. The Taliban has reached out to Moscow for assistance, but with the war in Ukraine occupying the Russian government, it remains to be seen what the response will be.
The full article includes links to additional news about Afghanistan, e.g., recent and anticipated catastrophic flooding.
Note that the government estimate of earthquake casualties was soon increased to at least 1,150. The UN offered a lower estimate, at 770 killed, though they expected that number to rise. At least five more people were killed in an aftershock. You might keep an eye on coverage from The Center for Disaster Philanthropy.
We were unable to find a source to support this article’s statement that the earthquake could affect upwards of a million people. But a UN plea for financial help said more than a million children in Afghanistan are facing severe, acute malnutrition. Clearly the needs are enormous. Please pray.
See also pray for Afghanistan (INcontext International) and New Partnership Brings God’s Word to Afghanistan (Heart4Iran and Mission Network News).