1.13 - Afghanistan Flashcards
What tectonic plates interact to cause earthquakes in Afghanistan?
The Eurasian and Indian plates.
What makes Herat province particularly vulnerable to earthquakes?
It is a rural, remote, and poor area with limited infrastructure.
What was the magnitude of the 2023 Herat earthquake?
Magnitude 6.3.
How long did the aftershocks of the 2023 earthquake continue?
Over 5 hours with 8 strong aftershocks.
How many people were killed in the 2023 Herat earthquake?
More than 2,400 people.
What international organizations provided aid after the earthquake?
UN, WHO, and Doctors Without Borders.
What emergency resources were provided to earthquake victims?
16 ambulances and 5 medical tents for 80 people.
Why was the Herat earthquake the deadliest in 20 years?
Due to its magnitude, aftershocks, and poor infrastructure.
What major challenge did search and rescue operations face?
People trapped under rubble and lack of modern equipment.
How did the earthquake impact local infrastructure?
12 villages were reduced to rubble, and roads were damaged.
What environmental challenges followed the earthquake?
Winter approaching with extremely cold conditions.
Why was hospital capacity exceeded after the earthquake?
Due to the high number of injured and lack of medical facilities.
What role does inequality play in Afghanistan’s earthquake vulnerability?
Limited access to services and economic hardship increase risk.
How does Afghanistan’s political situation impact disaster response?
Cutbacks in Western aid and governance issues hinder efforts.
What socio-economic factors increase earthquake vulnerability?
Poverty, inadequate housing, and lack of education.
What key factors contribute to the high casualty rate?
Poor construction, remote locations, and slow response times.
What temporary relief efforts were made post-earthquake?
Setting up temporary camps for displaced victims.
Why did many affected areas remain inaccessible?
Due to damaged roads and difficult terrain.
What lessons were learned from the Herat earthquake?
The need for better preparedness and infrastructure investment.
What are the challenges of post-earthquake rebuilding?
Lack of funding and ongoing political instability.
How does education impact earthquake preparedness?
Increased awareness and emergency response knowledge.
What infrastructure improvements could reduce risk?
Stronger building codes and early warning systems.
What was the response from the local community?
Community-led rescue efforts and makeshift shelters.
What were the major health concerns after the earthquake?
Injuries, lack of sanitation, and potential disease outbreaks.
How do international aid agencies support disaster relief?
By providing medical aid, rescue teams, and essential supplies.
Why is governance crucial in reducing earthquake vulnerability?
Effective policies and enforcement of building codes can save lives.
What role did the Taliban takeover in 2022 play in disaster response?
It led to a cutback in Western aid, limiting resources for relief efforts.
How do socio-economic conditions affect earthquake resilience?
Poor infrastructure and lack of access to resources increase vulnerability.
What are the impacts of frequent natural disasters on Afghanistan?
They exacerbate poverty and hinder economic development.
Why is rural Afghanistan more vulnerable to earthquakes?
Due to isolation, poor infrastructure, and lack of emergency services.
What factor made rescue operations more difficult in the Herat earthquake?
The remote location and damaged access routes.
What secondary hazards can result from earthquakes in Afghanistan?
Floods and mudslides, especially in mountainous regions.
What critical factor affects earthquake recovery efforts?
Political instability and ongoing conflict in the region.
What role do local communities play in disaster response?
Providing immediate relief and support before official aid arrives.
Why is Southeast Afghanistan vulnerable to disasters?
It is rural and remote, with little economic development and poor infrastructure.
What faction dominates Southeast Afghanistan and affects development?
The Haqqani faction, focusing on fighting rather than development.
Why are homes and infrastructure in Afghanistan poorly built?
Due to lack of money, materials, aid, and investment.
Who are the key job positions allocated to under Taliban rule?
Fighters and clerics instead of experienced technocrats.
Which sectors receive the majority of investment under Taliban rule?
Ministries of Defence, Intelligence, and Interior.
Why have Afghan girls over 12 been denied access to education?
Taliban policies have led to the closure of schools for girls.
How has the Taliban’s education policy affected international aid?
It resulted in denial of overseas assets and World Bank funding.
What factors have left many Afghans destitute?
Drought, war, famine, and floods.
Why did many houses in Afghanistan fail to withstand the earthquake?
They were built with mud bricks on steep, landslide-prone slopes.
What economic changes occurred when the Taliban took power in 2021?
Foreign aid stopped overnight, and economic sanctions paralyzed commerce.
