Afghanistan (MNN) — 362,000 people need relief in Afghanistan following a deadly earthquake on June 22. This number comes from the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Human Affairs.
The Taliban met with the U.S., seeking to unlock Afghan banking reserves of 3.5 billion dollars. The U.S., in turn, wants assurances that the money will actually be used for the relief efforts.
Taliban and the U.S. previously held talks in March. But the U.S. canceled them after the Taliban closed girls’ secondary schools.
FMI
Nehemiah with FMI has spoken with partners affected by the earthquake. “More than 35 entire villages have been destroyed. Families affected by disaster now say they are struggling to see a future in the already impoverished area that has long been cut off from the rest of the country. They have no electricity and only very poor phone signals.”
“When we try to contact our partners, it’s very difficult to even hear them.”
Nehemiah says most of the aid is coming from neighbors, not from the Taliban or international aid. In fact, the Taliban continues fighting against other extremist groups, such as the Islamic State.
FMI has been forced to suspend its normal operations in the area. Nehemiah says, “When I say operations, I mean there are no field visits anymore. Pastors cannot get around. But they’re trying to help each other with all the resources they have.”
You can support FMI partners here. And pray more earthquake aid would arrive soon.
The header photo shows Afghans digging through the rubble after the earthquake. (Photo courtesy of FMI)
