As Winter Nears, Afghan Quake Survivors Struggle for Warmth and Safe Homes

In villages across northern Afghanistan, families are bracing for a brutal winter after a string of earthquakes flattened homes and upended lives. With roofs gone and belongings lost, many survivors now lack the warm clothing, secure shelters and basic supplies needed to withstand freezing weather, exposing a deepening humanitarian emergency.

The most recent tremor — a 6.3 magnitude quake — struck Samangan and Balkh provinces, killing at least 27 people and reducing entire houses in Khulm district to rubble. Residents are grieving and treating injuries while trying to keep children and elders safe. "Winter is coming. We have children aged four and five. Where can we go?" said Gulabuddin, describing his family’s urgent dilemma.

Only weeks earlier, a shallow 6.0 magnitude earthquake claimed more than 2,200 lives, one of the deadliest in recent memory. In Kunar province, survivors such as Bazarga Safay are packed into flimsy tents that offer little protection from the cold. Fear of aftershocks forces some to sleep outdoors, exposed to nights that can plunge to -20°C (-4°F).

Humanitarian assistance has so far fallen short. Aid agencies report limited resources, and support has been further constrained after major donors, including the United States, scaled back funding. Some temporary camps have been set up at the foot of Mazar Dara mountain, yet most affected families — roughly 77 percent — say they will remain in their villages this winter because they cannot afford to relocate or lack alternatives.

Taliban officials have announced reconstruction plans and the building of dozens of new houses, but on-the-ground observers note little tangible progress. Survivors are clear about what they need: stronger homes built from concrete and brick to avoid repeat tragedies. "We want to rebuild our house in the same place, but not in the same way. Only concrete will work," said Sayid Wali Safay.

As rain turns tracks to mud and temperatures fall, the people left in the quake zones confront two looming threats — recurring tremors and the lethal cold. Immediate deliveries of winter clothing, blankets and durable shelter are critical to prevent further loss of life.