Afghan Women And Children Bear 90% Of Earthquake's Fury: UN Statistics

The devastating 6.3-magnitude earthquake that shook western Afghanistan sent shockwaves far beyond the physical tremors. More than 90% of the casualties, primarily women and children, have cast a sombre light on the intricate dynamics of this catastrophe.

In the aftermath of this natural disaster, the earth trembled not only under the weight of collapsing buildings but also under the burden of gender inequality and social norms.

The Terrifying Numbers

Taliban officials reported that the earthquake claimed over 2,000 lives, indiscriminately affecting people of all ages and genders across Herat province. However, the grim truth lies in the numbers from the epicentre, Zenda Jan district, where 1,294 people lost their lives, 1,688 sustained injuries, and every home crumbled into ruins, according to UN statistics.

The reasons behind the disproportionate impact on women and children are deeply rooted in societal roles and daily routines. When the initial earthquake struck in the morning, people, unaware of the impending disaster, rushed to the supposed safety of their homes. Women and children, who are more likely to be at home during those hours, were tragically ensnared under the rubble.

Gendered Dimensions Of A Natural Disaster

The Afghanistan representative for the UN Population Fund, Jaime Nadal, drew attention to a striking aspect of the tragedy. He noted that there would have been no "gender dimension" to the death toll if the earthquake had occurred at night. During daylight hours, Afghan men typically engage in outdoor work, and many migrate to Iran for employment opportunities. On the other hand, women remain at home, managing household chores and caring for their children. This disparity in daily routines inadvertently placed women in harm's way when disaster struck.

The series of quakes, including the initial shock, numerous aftershocks, and a subsequent 6.3-magnitude earthquake, mercilessly obliterated entire villages. These communities primarily consisted of mud-brick homes, unable to withstand the force of such seismic events. Schools, health clinics, and essential village facilities also crumbled, compounding the catastrophe.

The aftershocks left a trail of destruction, with survivors grappling with the loss of multiple family members. In many places, the living residents are outnumbered by volunteers who have rushed to the scene, working tirelessly to search the debris and dig mass graves. In Naib Rafi, a village that was once home to about 2,500 residents, only a handful of people survived the disaster. Survivors, along with excavators, worked relentlessly to dig long trenches for mass burials.

The Impact on Women and Children

The Norwegian Refugee Council described the devastation as enormous, highlighting that many of the victims were small children who were crushed or suffocated as buildings collapsed. The maternity hospital in Herat province itself suffered structural damage, prompting the UN Population Fund to provide tents for pregnant women, ensuring they have a safe place to stay and receive care.

As temperatures drop, many people are still sleeping outside, adding to the woes of the affected population. The disproportionate impact of the earthquake on women has raised serious concerns about the well-being of children left without mothers, their primary caregivers. Questions abound about who will care for them and how to reunite them with fathers who might be out of the province or even the country.

Gender Inequality and Earthquake Preparedness

The earthquake not only exposed the vulnerability of Afghan women but also shed light on the broader issue of gender inequality and its repercussions in times of crisis. Taliban edicts restricting women's mobility and rights, as well as limitations placed on female humanitarian workers, have left women at a greater risk of being unprepared for such disasters. Authorities have barred girls from school beyond sixth grade and limited women's involvement in non-governmental organizations, further exacerbating their vulnerability.

The Way Forward

Aid agencies, however, report that female Afghan staff members have been working freely in Herat and are reaching out to assist women and girls affected by the earthquake. UNICEF, recognising the urgency of the situation, has launched a $20 million appeal to support the estimated 13,000 children and families devastated by this earthquake.

The earthquake that struck western Afghanistan is a stark reminder of the disproportionate impact that natural disasters can have on marginalized groups. It serves as an urgent call to action, not just for immediate relief efforts but for a broader transformation in the way society perceives and supports the rights and mobility of women in Afghanistan

Suggested reading: Call For Action: UN Reveals Gender Disparities Amid Climate Crisis