Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – In devastating streak of earthquakes in Herat province, the Taliban regime’s brutal misogynistic policies pushed many women to make life-and-death decisions, resulting in a disturbing loss of lives. The earthquake, with a magnitude of 6.3, struck on October 11th, laying waste to entire villages and claiming the lives of over 2,400 people.
Sky News in a special report said the catastrophe disproportionately affected women and children, who now make up more than 90% of the casualties, as reported by the United Nations. When the earthquake struck, many women found themselves fleeing their homes without these necessary accompaniments, although women are forbidden to appear in public without wearing a burqa and having a male chaperone under Taliban rule.
As they escaped to safety, they defied the Taliban’s restrictions, running through the streets without burqas or chaperones. This act was deemed a sin and a violation of the law, leading to reports of women being beaten for their decision to prioritize their safety.
The earthquake has uncovered a shocking tragedy, with many women dying in fear, unable to escape their homes due to Taliban-imposed rules. These women were confined within their residences, and now they lie buried beneath the rubble of their own homes.
Reports also indicate that earthquake-affected women in Taliban-controlled areas were not allowed to be treated by male doctors in initial hours of the earthquake. The Taliban’s negligence has played a significant role in this catastrophe. They failed to promote earthquake awareness before the disaster and did not assess the damage afterward, which could have saved lives, particularly those of women and children trapped under the debris.
Women who wanted to assist female survivors faced numerous obstacles, including directives to stay at home and not get involved. Some managed to reach the affected areas with the assistance of older men who negotiated with the Taliban to allow their access.
Although aftershocks continue to plague the region, people are more aware of the dangers now. Yet, they must endure living in tents in increasingly cold weather, which poses health risks, especially for children. The fear is pervasive, with some families considering leaving the province and returning when they feel it’s safer.
The frequent earthquakes have left even the sturdiest buildings at risk of collapsing from minor tremors, intensifying the feeling of imprisonment and stress among the affected population.
