Wed Sep 03 07:56:48 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
**UN Warns of Soaring Casualties in Afghanistan Earthquake; Taliban Appeals for Aid**
GENEVA – The United Nations is warning of a rapidly escalating death toll from the devastating magnitude 6 earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan Sunday night. The Taliban government reports over 1,400 fatalities and more than 3,000 injuries, figures the UN fears could climb even higher.
The earthquake, centered in Kunar province, flattened villages and trapped residents under the rubble of their homes, primarily constructed of mud brick and wood. Rescue efforts are being severely hampered by the region’s rough terrain, requiring the Taliban to airdrop commandos to evacuate the injured. A magnitude 5.2 aftershock on Tuesday further complicated the situation.
“We are in a race against time to reach people,” stated Indrika Ratwatte, the UN resident coordinator for Afghanistan, during a media briefing. He emphasized the “life-and-death decisions” facing rescuers and urged the international community to provide immediate assistance.
The disaster is the latest crisis to hit Afghanistan, already struggling with deep cuts in aid funding, a struggling economy, and the return of millions of Afghan refugees. The Taliban government has made an urgent appeal for international assistance. However, the response is hampered by competing global crises and shrinking aid budgets.
“We cannot afford to forget the people of Afghanistan,” Ratwatte pleaded, highlighting the saturated resilience of communities facing multiple shocks. The UN is calling for immediate and sustained aid to help Afghanistan recover from this devastating earthquake.
First Piper 