Noorgal, Kunar, Afghanistan – The recent challenges faced by the residents of Afghanistan’s Kunar province highlight the resilience and unwavering spirit of communities which, despite adversity, strive to rebuild their lives. Among those affected is Nawab Din, who returned to his native village of Wadir just four months ago after spending eight years as a refugee in Pakistan. Din, like many others, is now facing the aftermath of a devastating earthquake that struck on August 31, 2023, claiming approximately 2,200 lives and causing the destruction of over 5,000 homes in the region.
Currently residing in a makeshift tent on his own farmland, Din reflects on the layers of adversity he has encountered. “We are living in tent camps now,” he stated solemnly, as he shared the challenges alongside his cousin in nearby Noorgal. The earthquake, exacerbated by earlier instability, serves as a stark reminder of the hardships faced by thousands who have returned from neighboring Iran and Pakistan—over four million since September, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Din recounted how, before his return to Afghanistan, he had lived under the threat of violence at the hands of extremist groups. His courage to refuse joining ISIL led him to seek refuge in Pakistan. Now, after regaining his footing only to face another crisis, he embodies the resilient spirit of returnees who dream of rebuilding their lives amidst destruction.
The plight of others in Kunar mirrors Din’s experiences. Sadat Khan, 58, another returnee, sits among the remnants of his rented home, which was also lost to the earthquake. Khan returned driven by health concerns and the desire to support his family, only to find his resources depleted yet again. “We don’t know where the next meal will come from. There is no work here,” Khan explained, highlighting the extreme challenges faced by many who have returned hoping for a better life.
These hardships underscore a deeper crisis of livelihood in the area. With a lack of water resources and barren land conditions, many Afghans, including returnees, are grappling with food scarcity and malnutrition. Dr. Farida Safi, working tirelessly in a field hospital set up by an aid organization, emphasized the rising rates of malnutrition among the affected populations.
In response to the pressing needs of the community, Kunar’s Governor, Mawlawi Qudratullah, announced the government’s plans to build a new town consisting of 382 residential plots for those displaced. This initiative, separate from immediate earthquake relief, reflects a commitment to long-term solutions for Afghan returnees, providing them with not just shelter but a chance to restore normalcy in their lives.
While hope for rebuilding prevails, the challenges remain daunting. Residents like Nawab Din express fear over potential aftershocks and the uncertainty of future aid. Nonetheless, the responsive measures being taken reflect the determination of the Afghan government and allied organizations to support their people through these crises.
As history has shown, the resilience of the Afghan people, underpinned by a rich cultural heritage and communal strength, positions them for a hopeful recovery. The plight and stories of these communities serve as a testament to their undying spirit and potential for rehabilitation even in the face of overwhelming obstacles.
#WorldNews #MiddleEastNews