Summary
An earthquake on August 31 in eastern Afghanistan killed over 2,200 people and injured about 3,600. The Taliban government's ban on women working in aid roles has made it harder to help female survivors. The World Health Organization and other groups have urged the Taliban to lift these restrictions to improve relief efforts.
Key Facts
- A 6.0 magnitude earthquake occurred in eastern Afghanistan on August 31.
- Over 2,200 people died, and around 3,600 were injured in the earthquake.
- The provinces of Kunar and Nangarhar were the hardest hit.
- Nearly half a million people were affected by the earthquake.
- In 2022, the Taliban banned women from working in NGOs, including those linked with the UN.
- The lack of female aid workers has made it difficult to assist women affected by the earthquake.
- The World Health Organization has asked the Taliban to remove restrictions on female aid workers.
- More than half of those killed or injured in the earthquake were women and girls.
