Qatar Red Crescent Launches Relief For Afghanistan Quake Victims

Post by : Mumtaaz Qadiri

In late August, a powerful earthquake struck Kunar Province in eastern Afghanistan. The tremor measured six on the Richter scale and caused major destruction in many parts of the province. The disaster killed more than 2,200 people and left around 3,640 others injured. Thousands of homes were destroyed, forcing many families to live without shelter.

Entire villages in the remote mountain areas of Nurgal and Suki districts were reduced to rubble. The situation became worse because these villages are very difficult to reach. This made rescue and aid efforts slower, leaving many survivors without food, medical care, or proper housing.

Qatar Red Crescent Steps In To Help

In response to the tragedy, the Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) quickly launched an emergency relief project. The operation is designed to give urgent support to the families most affected by the earthquake. QRCS announced that the project will directly help around 7,600 families, which means about 53,200 people will get assistance.

The project will also give indirect support to nearby communities. The aim is not only to reduce the suffering of victims but also to strengthen the ability of people to recover and rebuild their lives after the disaster.

First Phase Of The Relief Plan

The first phase of this relief operation is already underway. QRCS has set aside a budget of QR 2 million (about 547,945 US dollars) for the beginning of the program. In this phase, aid will cover food and non-food items for 33,200 people. In addition, healthcare services will be provided for 20,000 people who are injured, ill, or at risk.

This phase is seen as critical because it addresses the most urgent needs of survivors—food, water, shelter, and medical care. Without these, many more lives could be lost.

Working With Afghan Partners

The Qatar Red Crescent Society is carrying out this project under the supervision of its office in Afghanistan. To make sure the support reaches the right people, QRCS is cooperating with the Afghan Red Crescent. It is also working closely with local Afghan authorities and international humanitarian committees.

By coordinating with different partners, QRCS ensures that efforts do not overlap and that resources are used efficiently. This teamwork is important to maximize the impact of aid and to avoid delays or duplication in delivering relief.

Situation On The Ground

Faisal Mohammed Al Emadi, the Secretary-General of QRCS, described the tragic condition in the affected areas. He said that entire villages had collapsed, leaving dozens of people dead and hundreds badly injured. Many families lost their homes and are now left without a roof over their heads. Children and parents alike are struggling to find food and safe water.

Al Emadi emphasized that the earthquake left thousands of families displaced. They are now living in very difficult conditions, exposed to harsh weather and with very limited access to healthcare. For them, urgent humanitarian help is the only way to survive.

Emergency Food And Shelter

As part of the relief, QRCS is distributing 2,000 food baskets. Each basket contains enough food to feed one family for a whole month. This step is very important to reduce hunger and prevent malnutrition, which often increases after such disasters.

The organization is also providing 2,000 shelter kits. These kits include materials that will allow families to build temporary but safe housing. Having a shelter helps protect survivors from harsh weather conditions and gives them some stability after losing their homes.

Mobile Healthcare For Survivors

One of the most important parts of the project is healthcare support. QRCS will provide emergency medical services to about 3,000 families. To achieve this, two mobile clinics will operate in the disaster-hit areas for six months.

Each clinic will have a specialist doctor, a midwife, a nurse, and a nutrition advisor. They will also be equipped with medicines, medical supplies, and fuel. The clinics will offer first aid, treat injuries, provide maternal and child healthcare, give health education, and reduce risks of waterborne and infectious diseases that often spread after natural disasters.

Preparing For Early Recovery

Al Emadi explained that the QRCS plan goes beyond emergency relief. After the first phase is completed, QRCS will start early recovery projects. These include sustainable programs like regular food distribution, orphan sponsorship, providing medicines for kidney patients, and helping poor families secure their livelihoods.

In addition, QRCS will work on development projects like digging water wells. These long-term solutions will help communities rebuild their lives and become stronger against future disasters.

Community Involvement And Transparency

QRCS is determined to make the process transparent and fair. For this reason, the organization will carry out field assessments in Kunar Province to identify the most affected households. The lists of beneficiaries will be carefully prepared, giving priority to vulnerable groups like female-headed families, children, and people living in remote areas.

Before distribution, all aid items like food baskets, shelter kits, and health supplies will be checked for quality and quantity. Materials will be transported from central warehouses to local distribution points. Community leaders and representatives will be involved in the process to ensure fairness and accountability.

Continuous Monitoring And Evaluation

To make sure that everything goes as planned, the QRCS team in Afghanistan will conduct regular field visits. These visits will help check that aid is delivered on time, that the quality of services is good, and that all activities are executed properly. Continuous monitoring ensures that the relief work truly benefits the affected families and avoids waste of resources.

A Message Of Solidarity

The Qatar Red Crescent Society’s response shows a strong message of global solidarity. In times of disaster, people from different nations come together to support those who suffer. For the victims in Afghanistan, the relief project means hope, survival, and a chance to rebuild their lives.

QRCS has promised to continue supporting Afghanistan not only in emergency relief but also in sustainable recovery efforts. This reflects its long-term commitment to humanitarian values and the dignity of all people, regardless of where they live.

Afghanistan earthquake relief, Qatar Red Crescent, Emergency aid support