UN calls for urgent reconstruction of quake-ravaged homes

KABUL (Pajhwok): The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) has called for immediate reconstruction of homes destroyed in recent earthquake in eastern Afghanistan.

In a post on its X handle, UN-Habitat said people lost everything, homes, livelihoods and many have lost lives.

It said: “Reconstruction needs to start now. We must #BuildBackBetter in a more stable & earthquake-resilient manner.”

Meanwhile, StephanieLoose, Head of UN-Habitat, visited eastern Kunar province and called for urgent action to support affected families.

On August 31, around midnight, an earthquake struck Kunar, Nangarhar, Laghman, Panjsher and Nuristan provinces.

According to government figures, the earthquake killed 2,205 people and injured 3,640 in Kunar; 12 people died and 255 were injured in Nangarhar and 80 people were injured in Laghman.

Reports indicate that 6,782 houses were destroyed.

kk/ma