Two days have passed since the earthquake that occurred in eastern Afghanistan, but rescue operations have been difficult due to damage to roads and communication networks.
Under these circumstances, UN agencies and NGOs have started support activities, but the issue is whether to cooperate with the Islamist Taliban, which is in control of the government, to provide prompt support.
In Afghanistan, on the 22nd of Japan time, there was a magnitude 5.9 earthquake with an epicenter in the eastern host state.
Two days after the quake, officials in the host state and neighboring Paktika have revealed that more than 1,000 people have been killed and more than 1,600 have been injured.
Although rescue activities by rescue teams are continuing locally, the activities are difficult due to damage to roads and communication networks.
Under these circumstances, UN agencies and NGOs have begun support activities. Among them, the UN WFP = World Food Program loaded 130 tons of relief supplies on trucks, including flour provided by the Japanese government, on the 23rd. I left for the disaster area from the capital Kabul.
In addition, the Norwegian Refugee Council, an international NGO that supports refugees and migrants, has dispatched staff to the host state to embark on relief efforts.
A spokesman for the Norwegian Refugee Council said the Taliban, which is in control of the government, is in charge of the search, saying, "We have been working with the Taliban so far. The shelter will be operated along with the payment. "
In Afghanistan, since the Taliban seized power in August last year, international support groups have withdrawn or suspended activities, and while support in the disaster area is required, we will cooperate with the Taliban quickly. The issue is whether it can be linked to support.
In Paktika, where many victims are killed
A footage shot on the 23rd in Paktika, Afghanistan, where many victims were killed by the earthquake, shows that the walls and roofs of many buildings have collapsed and people are being chased by debris.
According to AFP communication, the radio tower of the mobile phone was damaged by the earthquake and some roads were cut off by landslides.
In addition, a person in charge of a Norwegian NGO operating in Afghanistan told the Associated Press that "the disaster area is a mountainous area and it is very difficult to access", and it is difficult to grasp the whole picture of the damage. It is said that.
UNHCR representative “Careful support activities for fear of unexploded ordnance remaining”
In response to the earthquake in eastern Afghanistan, a person in charge of UNHCR = United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees interviewed NHK, and there is a possibility that unexploded ordnance may remain in the disaster area in the area greatly affected by the long-standing conflict. It was revealed that the support activities are being carried out carefully while ensuring safety.
Peter Katsler, spokeswoman for UNHCR's Kabul office, interviewed NHK online on the 23rd.
Mr. Katsler said that UNHCR staff had already entered the field and started activities. Because of this, we are forced to proceed with support activities carefully. "
In addition, heavy rains have been falling in the area for the past few days, and many people have lost their homes due to the earthquake, and a large amount of relief supplies such as tents and blankets are needed.
In addition, Mr. Katsler said that the damage from the earthquake could spread further in the future, and that "the number of people in need of humanitarian assistance is expected to increase steadily, and assistance must be urgently needed." I appealed for financial assistance.
In Afghanistan, the economic downturn and food shortages have worsened since the Islamist Taliban regained power in August last year, and there are concerns that people will face even more difficult lives.