The Hope Caravan Foundation (Umut Kervanı Vakfı) has called for urgent humanitarian aid to earthquake-stricken regions of Afghanistan, warning of a deepening crisis as winter approaches.

The appeal follows the devastating 6.0-magnitude earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan on August 31, leaving thousands homeless and entire villages in ruins.

The quake, which hit the provinces of Kunar, Nangarhar, Nuristan, Laghman, and Panjshir, destroyed nearly 5,000 homes. More than 1,400 people have been confirmed dead, nearly 4,000 injured, and rescue operations are still ongoing.

“There are still people under the rubble”

Speaking on Wednesday, Cengiz Kurtaran, President of the Hope Caravan Foundation, stressed the urgency of the situation: “Although the earthquake was not very strong, most of the houses were built from stone and mud, which caused massive destruction. Nearly 5,000 homes have been destroyed. More than 1,400 of our brothers and sisters have died, and almost 4,000 are injured. There are still people waiting to be rescued from under the rubble.”

Aid Teams Reach Quake Zone Despite Difficult Terrain

Kurtaran explained that Hope Caravan mobilized its teams immediately after the disaster. However, mountainous terrain, landslides, and blocked roads made it impossible to reach the affected areas by land. “We reached the earthquake zone by helicopters arranged by officials,” he said. “Our colleagues witnessed both the delivery of aid and the evacuation of the injured to hospitals.”

The organization has been distributing emergency supplies such as tents, blankets, rugs, food, hot meals, and water. Local authorities have highlighted a severe shortage of shelter, with more than 5,000 homes reported completely uninhabitable.

Appeal for Shelter Before Winter

Kurtaran issued a strong call to action for both international aid groups and philanthropists in Turkey: “Afghanistan has only just begun to recover. Due to poverty and this earthquake, there is a real humanitarian crisis. Winter is approaching, and the cold will be very harsh, especially in these mountainous regions. Shelter is the most urgent need—tents now, but also container homes or permanent housing in the future.”

He urged people not to abandon Afghan survivors in their time of need: “Let us not leave our brothers and sisters there alone; let us extend a hand of hope to them.”

Humanitarian agencies continue to warn that unless urgent support is delivered, the crisis could worsen dramatically as freezing conditions set in over Afghanistan’s highlands. (ILKHA)