KABUL (Dispatches) -- More than 2,200 people were killed when a magnitude-6.0 earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan on August 31, making it the deadliest in decades. Yet, despite the scale of devastation, the international response—particularly from the U.S. and European nations—has been alarmingly inadequate.
Thousands remain homeless across Nangarhar and Kunar provinces. Remote mountain villages are hard to reach, and humanitarian organizations are stretched thin. “The main needs are temporary shelter, primary healthcare, mental health support, and water and sanitation,” said Laura Chambrier of the French NGO Première Urgence Internationale (PUI). But funding shortfalls are stalling aid operations at a critical time.
The United Nations’ $139.6 million appeal for emergency assistance remains largely unmet. According to Chambrier, Afghanistan was already facing severe funding cuts before the earthquake. Earlier this year, a significant reduction in U.S. foreign aid forced PUI to close 60 healthcare facilities and lay off nearly 400 staff members. “Now with the earthquake, we have even more people in need,” she said.
The U.S. and European governments have dramatically scaled back their support since the Taliban took power. This political stance—refusing to engage with the Taliban—has led to a de facto abandonment of Afghan civilians. “The funding coming in these days is limited compared to a year ago,” said Hans Johansen of Acted. “The earthquake response has attracted just $10 million, a fraction of what would have come in the past.”
Even what little aid is given is carefully routed to avoid official cooperation with the Taliban. A Dutch policy note in September highlighted €1 million in EU aid—but made no mention of engagement with the authorities controlling the country. This hands-off approach, rooted in political posturing, is worsening human suffering.
Women, in particular, are being failed. Taliban restrictions bar women from traveling freely or accessing healthcare without a male guardian. NGOs with female staff can reach them—barely. Those without cannot. “Women and girls will again bear the brunt of this disaster,” said Susan Ferguson of UN Women, pointing to high female casualties in past quakes.
The West’s refusal to separate humanitarian needs from political positions is costing lives. Afghans are not the ones who imposed Taliban rule, yet they are paying the price of global indifference. Winter is coming—and without urgent support, so is more tragedy.