Continuing Support for Afghanistan Following 2022 Earthquake
In June 2022, a 5.9 magnitude earthquake and its aftershock struck southeastern Afghanistan, leaving approximately 2,200 people dead and more than 1,600 injured. Peace Winds responded to the situation along with local partner organizations in Gayan District, Paktika Province, one of the areas that was most devastated by the disaster.
Paktika Province was a very poor area even before the earthquake, making the situation afterward even worse. Gayan District, a mountainous region, was especially affected by the earthquake which left homes and stores destroyed. A committee of local residents worked together to coordinate a number of organizations who flocked to Gayan District to provide relief. Peace Winds selected nine villages and supported the survivors here by distributing food packages and everyday essential items to nearly 500 families.
In addition to food packages, Peace Winds provided necessities such as pots and pans, plates, cooking utensils, soap, and laundry detergent. In consideration of the upcoming cold winter months, our teams also distributed blankets, winter shawls, and gas stoves.
Roman, 26, lives in one of the villages in Gayan District. “When I woke up after the earthquake, I was terrified,” he told Peace Winds. “First, I rescued my father, who is disabled. Many houses in our village made of mud and clay were destroyed, and four of our relatives were buried under the rubble. I am grateful that you provided support after this disaster.”
Rahman, 55, is another Gayan District resident who was sleeping when the earthquake struck in the middle of the night. “It started with an ominous sound, and thousands of nearby roofs collapsed,” recalled Rahman. “I still feel the tremors, but it has eased over time. However, even now, whenever I hear a loud noise, I feel like another earthquake is coming and I run away. This was a sad disaster, but I am grateful to you for helping us.”
Relief activities in Gayan District have been an important part of rebuilding the lives of Paktika Province’s earthquake survivors, and Peace Winds will continue to support the people of Afghanistan who are living in difficult conditions. This relief project was made possible by the Japan Platform and by donations from our followers. We thank you for your continued support.