Construction Begins on 290 Homes for Earthquake-Affected Families in Kunar

Construction work has begun on residential homes for 290 families affected by the earthquake in Kunar Province.

The earthquake victims have welcomed the start of the project, saying that once completed, it will significantly address their housing problems.

Abdul Samad, a resident of Nurgal District in Kunar, is among those whose lives were completely changed by a deadly earthquake more than nine months ago.

He says that he lost several family members in the disaster and, after the destruction of his home, is now living in a tent.

Abdul Samad, one of the affected residents, said: “We were asleep when a sudden earthquake struck and stones from the house collapsed on us. One of my sons and one of my daughters were killed. I picked up another son and daughter in my arms and tried to escape. During the escape, my wife was also injured.”

Meanwhile, several other affected families who are still living in tents say that the intense summer heat has made life extremely difficult for their children.

They are calling on the Islamic Emirate and aid organizations to help rebuild their destroyed homes.

Another victim, Abdul Qadir Jalal, said: “We spent the winter in tents, and now summer has arrived. Spending the summer in tents is very difficult. Although construction of homes for some earthquake-affected families has begun, many families are still living in tents and homes should also be built for them.”

Another earthquake survivor, Naqibullah Haidari, said: “We need comprehensive assistance to improve our living conditions. Our agricultural lands have been destroyed, our livestock has been lost, and our water reservoirs and irrigation canals have also been damaged.”

At the same time, a ceremony marking the start of construction of 290 homes for earthquake victims in the Shomashmazar Valley of Nurgal District was held by the Danish Refugee Council (DRC).

Local officials say they are coordinating with several aid organizations to ensure that the needs of earthquake victims are addressed in a timely manner.

Faridullah Patman, the DRC’s provincial representative in Kunar, said: “We are providing cash assistance to families whose homes were destroyed in the earthquake. All affected families have been identified. Our engineers will be present on-site, and a technical team will supervise the construction process. Financial assistance will be distributed in three installments: 40 percent in the first phase, 40 percent in the second phase, and the remaining 20 percent after the house is completed.”

Abdullah Hemat, Director of Economy for Kunar Province, added: “About 50 percent of the people’s problems have been addressed. Alongside the institutions of the Islamic Emirate, we have also held meetings with aid organizations to ensure timely assistance to earthquake victims.”

According to information provided by officials of the committee responsible for addressing the problems of earthquake victims in Kunar, 800 residential houses have already been built in the province. With the cooperation of the Islamic Emirate and several aid organizations, construction of additional homes in the affected areas is continuing.