Takhar quake survivors want houses reconstructed

TALOQAN (Pajhwok): Some victims of a recent earthquake in northern Takhar province on Monday complained of an inordinate delay in the provision of assistance,

A week has elapsed since the quake struck the province, but they were still waiting for receiving assistance, the survivors grumbled.

Muslima, a Kalafgan district resident whose house was damaged, said: “The quake occurred a week ago. My house walls collapsed. My home has since been in secure. My husband is an old man can’t rebuild the walls.”

Muslima and her children have since been living under the open sky in the yard of her house. She is concerned about possible harm.

Living in the yard, the woman said she had bot received no assistance so far to rebuild her house’s boundary wall

Muslima said her house was located on the Takhar-Badakhshan highway. “I do not feel safe either in daytime or at night.”

Hamidullah is another victim of the recent earthquake. He said: “The quake destroyed my house. I am not in a position to rebuild my house, the government must think about us.”

But Mullah Ahmad Seyar Sajid, head of Takhar Disaster Management Authority, said a survey of damaged houses was yet to be completed.

Coordinated attempts by the government and relevant organizations were underway to address the issue, the official added.

He urged traders and other well-off people to help the quake-affected people in the province.

According to figures from the government, 120 houses were damaged some people killed and wounded in the recent tremors. Dozens of cattle heads were also killed.

aw/mud