Reports from Afghanistan’s Paktika province say there are already 1000 deaths and 600 injuries resulting from Wednesday's earthquake. The tragic numbers are expected to increase as reports from smaller mountain villages become available.
Global impact. Afghanistan's economy has been in disarray since the Taliban retook power. The earthquake will impact no major exports or imports.
Bad weather. Rounding out the series of poorly timed circumstances is the weather. Flooding combined with rural roads and the earthquake makes reaching affected people harder. In addition to logistical challenges, these factors add potential landslides to humanitarian worker risks.
Aid efforts? State rescue teams are working with locals to free those trapped under debris, remove the dead, and treat the injured. However, since the Taliban took power in the country last August, sanctions block most international assistance.
The UN still provides aid to the people and will send additional medical aid and supplies. President Biden has called for an assessment of possible US responses.