Communities of Afghan-Canadians have rallied together amidst the shared agony of a catastrophic earthquake in their home country. Despite being over 10,000 kilometres away, these individuals and their collective efforts echo the resilience and tenacity of the human spirit in dark times. This disaster struck the western region of Afghanistan on a fateful Saturday morning, taking the reported lives of over 2,000 people.
Farid Teimoury, vice-president of the Afghan Society of Calgary, expressed the prevailing sense of helplessness tearing through the hearts of distant onlookers. Mobile screens beam images of the devastation, causing a ripple effect of despair among those powerless to help. “It’s a guilt that you bear,” Teimoury shared on a quiet Sunday morning. “All you can do is gather funds and hope for the best.”
A severe earthquake of 6.3 magnitude shook the region, its epicentre near Herat, Afghanistan’s fourth largest city. Strong aftershocks persisted, spreading fear and panic. Entire villages succumbed to nature’s wrath, leaving bodies trapped under the wreckage and survivors devoid of even the most basic tools to carry out rescue efforts.
Teimoury maintained close contact with a group of Afghans residing in Calgary. Reports confirm that their families and friends back home are safe. This group has resolved to launch a fundraiser aimed at providing aid to those affected in their homeland.
While the Taliban spokesperson attributes more than 2,000 lives lost to the quake, this figure awaits independent verification. If confirmed, this incident may rank among the deadliest Afghanistan has faced in two decades. Meanwhile, across the country in Newfoundland, another fundraising effort gears up through an online crowding platform.
An atmosphere of desperation is evident as the diaspora face the chilling reality of helplessness. The emerging footage of ruins, missing heavy equipment and machinery is a testament to the lack of resources and co-ordination in the critical hours following the disaster.
According to the 2021 census, nearly 97,000 Afghan natives currently reside in Canada. Post the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021, over 39,000 Afghan refugees have found a new home in the country.
Melanie Joly, Canada’s minister of foreign affairs, has assured her country’s readiness to support the Afghan people. Global Affairs Canada stated they had no news of any Canadians harmed due to the disaster. Meanwhile, Ahmed Hussen, Canada’s minister of international development, conveyed the nation’s sympathy towards the victims’ families and loved ones.
On the medical front, the regional hospital in Herat, run by Doctors Without Borders, remained operational despite the tremor. Their teams managed to evacuate all the children, some in critical condition, from the building. The charity has arranged additional support, including mass casualty kits and medical personnel, to treat the affected population.
The resilience and strength of the Afghan community in Canada is evident in these dire times. Their efforts have the power to create a positive impact, demonstrating that even in the face of devastating adversities, hope and unity can shine through.
