Aid to Herat earthquake victims dwindles amidst ongoing struggles

Victims of last year’s devastating earthquake in Herat are facing a sharp reduction in humanitarian aid, according to a report from the Associated Press. International relief agencies, initially active in supporting those affected by the 6.3-magnitude earthquake on October 7, 2023, are reportedly scaling back assistance due to donor fatigue.

Local sources indicate that while the Taliban initially opened health centers to aid the injured, these efforts have since slowed, leaving many survivors without adequate support. A year after the earthquake, there is still no definitive count of the casualties. The United Nations reported 1,500 deaths, while the Taliban claim the toll reached 4,000. In addition, around 12,000 people were injured.

The earthquake in Herat remains one of Afghanistan's deadliest natural disasters, and survivors now face both a reduction in foreign aid and ongoing challenges under Taliban rule.