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Survivors’ lives shattered after devastating earthquake in Afghanistan

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Days after an earthquake killed more than 1,000 people in southeastern Afghanistan, survivors are trying to secure shelter and piece their lives back together.

A thousand people were killed in the earthquake and hundreds of homes were destroyed. Those who survived are living in tents outside their damaged homes. They are also bracing for possible aftershocks.

FRANCE 24 correspondents visited Bariam Kheil village in Paktika province, one of the most affected areas, just a few metres from the border with Pakistan.

Hilal Afgar lost five family members.

“The balcony collapsed. The whole village is completely destroyed. We need help to rebuild our homes, that is what we need the most."

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Afgar and his family lost all of their belongings. Like most families in the surrounding villages, they are now forced to live outside.

A relief camp has been set up by the Taliban, where aid donated by local and international organisations is being organised. Families were given tents. But Taliban authorities say the aid received is insufficient.

Ehsanullah Ehsan is a security officer in Barmal disctrict. “The urgent need is to rebuild the houses … but what is certain is that without the help of the international community we will not be able to do it.”

Afghanistan was already facing a humanitarian crisis before the natural disaster struck. Now the population is facing further misery.

Without access to clean drinking water, health authorities fear the risk of cholera spreading among survivors of the deadly earthquake.

Artmotion S.Africa

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