The recent earthquake in Afghanistan caused severe devastation and death. The dead toll has grown to nearly 2,000, according to the Taliban government. On October 7th, 2023, an earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale struck western Afghanistan.
Impact on Afghanistan’s Economy
The earthquake has had a huge impact on Afghanistan’s economy, which was already faltering as a result of the continuous fighting and political unrest. The country’s ability to respond to natural disasters has been limited further since the Taliban took power in 2021, causing many international humanitarian organizations to withdraw. It also resulted in the US and its allies freezing approximately $7 billion of the country’s foreign reserves and cutting off international support. The crisis has damaged an already aid-dependent economy.
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Infrastructure Damage
The earthquake severely damaged infrastructure, including homes, schools, and hospitals. Close to 500 dwellings were demolished and 135 buildings were damaged, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The accident has also displaced 300 families (about 2,100 persons), who are now living in abandoned buildings in Herat City.
To summarize, the recent earthquake in Afghanistan wreaked havoc on both human lives and the country’s economy. The incident emphasizes the critical need for international assistance and support for Afghanistan at this difficult time.
