Following the severe earthquake in eastern Afghanistan, which claimed over 2,000 lives, our appeal for donations has been successful and the board of our sister organization ALS has set off for the disaster region with the first donations..

The 4-hour drive was followed by a 4-hour walk, as the Kunar region is currently cut off from the outside world due to the destruction of its infrastructure. In the affected regions, approximately 6,000 houses have been rendered uninhabitable and people are waiting it out in makeshift tents without adequate protection from the continuing heavy rainfall, with winter looming dangerously closer.

Larger aid organizations with better logistical capabilities are providing initial supplies of water, food, and technical assistance to support the rescue of victims. Our financial aid will primarily focus on families in the severely affected district of Nurgal who have lost loved ones, thereby alleviating their pain and suffering a little. Over 300 children have been orphaned by the earthquake. The parents of the two girls in the following video are seriously injured and fighting for their lives. Sadly, the girls’ brother has already lost his life.

The survival of this little boy borders on a miracle. His mother and two sisters died under the rubble, while he was rescued alive, buried under debris, almost unharmed, from midnight until 7 a.m. the next morning. He only suffered minor scratches on his face; the internal injuries remain invisible.

We would like to thank all donors for helping to alleviate the suffering of those affected. Further trips to the crisis region will follow, and the donated money will reach the local people on a 1:1 basis.