OTED`s Kunar Emergency Relief: A Comprehensive Report on Our Earthquake Response

When a powerful earthquake struck Kunar Province, everything changed within minutes. Homes collapsed, families were displaced, and communities were left overwhelmed with fear and uncertainty. In the middle of this tragedy, OTED Kunar emergency relief launched an immediate response, working closely with local communities to support the people who needed help most.

Our team worked day and night to deliver vital humanitarian services, including shelter, food, cash assistance, and winter protection, to hundreds of affected families. This is the full story of how OTED helped restore hope during one of the darkest moments for the people of Kunar.

Understanding the Crisis: How the Earthquake Devastated Kunar

The earthquake struck suddenly, shaking the ground so violently that entire houses, walls, and village structures fell apart. Many families had only seconds to escape. Others were trapped inside their homes, losing loved ones and their only sources of stability.

The Human Impact: Families, Loss, and Urgent Needs

• Many families lost their homes entirely.
• Some lost their loved ones.
• Most were left without shelter, food, or warm clothing.
• Children and elderly individuals faced the greatest risks.

Amid this heartbreaking situation, OTED knew immediate intervention was necessary.

OTED’s Mission and Immediate Mobilization

OTED is committed to serving vulnerable communities, especially in times of crisis. As soon as reports of the earthquake reached our team, our emergency response unit mobilized quickly.

Why OTED Responded Immediately

OTED has deep community connections in Kunar. We understand the local terrain, culture, and the realities families face. This allowed us to act without delay.

Community-Based Assessment Teams

Before launching the relief projects, OTED deployed assessment teams who:

• Spoke directly with affected families
• Identified urgent needs
• Prioritized the most vulnerable groups
• Coordinated with community elders

This ensured that our relief efforts were targeted, efficient, and fair.

Providing 200 Emergency Tents to 200 Families

The biggest struggle after the earthquake was the lack of safe shelter. Families were sleeping under the open sky, exposed to the cold, wind, and potential aftershocks.

Why Tents Were the Most Urgent Need

The earthquake destroyed entire homes. Families had nowhere to sleep, store belongings, or protect their children. OTED stepped in with 200 emergency tents, each one allocated to a family that lost its home.

Distribution Strategy and On-Ground Challenges

Delivering tents in mountainous areas is not easy. The OTED team faced:

• Blocked roads
• Lack of transportation
• Heavy dust and debris
• Ongoing aftershocks

But despite these obstacles, the team delivered all 200 tents, ensuring no family was left without shelter.

Delivering 50 Food Packages to Affected Households

Hunger set in quickly after the disaster. Many families lost their kitchens, food supplies, and storage areas. Markets were closed, roads blocked, and food became a desperate need.

What Each Food Package Contained

OTED distributed 50 carefully prepared food packages, each containing:

• Rice
• Flour
• Oil
• Beans
• Tea
• Salt and sugar

These packages were designed to help families survive during the critical first days.

How Food Distribution Saved Lives

For many families, especially those with young children, this food support was essential. It reduced suffering, prevented hunger, and gave families the strength to rebuild their lives.

Cash Assistance for 51 Vulnerable Families

Not every need can be met with packaged aid. Some families have urgent medical bills, transportation needs, or require specific items for survival. This is why OTED provided cash support for 51 families.

Why Cash Support Matters After a Disaster

Cash support allows families to:

• Buy essential medicines
• Pay for travel or emergency needs
• Purchase items not included in aid packages
• Restore some level of independence

Ensuring Transparency in Cash Distribution

OTED:

• Verified each family
• Registered beneficiaries
• Documented all transactions
• Ensured fair selection
• Conducted follow-up monitoring

This system ensured that every Afghan afghani (AFN) reached the right people.

Supplying Winter Blankets to 250 Families

After the earthquake, many families were living in cold, temporary shelters. Winter temperatures in Kunar can drop drastically, putting lives at risk, especially young children and the elderly.

Protecting Families from Cold Weather

To combat this, OTED distributed winter blankets to 250 families, helping them stay warm during freezing nights.

Community Feedback and Impact

Families expressed deep gratitude, explaining how the blankets helped:

• Prevent illness
• Keep children warm
• Ensure better sleep
• Reduce psychological stress

Blankets became a symbol of warmth, comfort, and hope.

How OTED Ensured Fairness, Transparency, and Efficiency

To maintain integrity, OTED used a strict system:

• Field registration
• Verification through local committees
• Equitable selection
• Photo documentation
• Continuous follow-up

This ensured fair distribution and maximum impact.

The Emotional Impact: Stories of Strength and Survival

During the distribution process, OTED teams met families who had:

• Lost their homes
• Buried loved ones
• Spent nights in the cold
• Carried children to safety

Their strength inspired our team. Their resilience motivated us to continue serving.

Challenges Faced by OTED During the Relief Mission

Our teams faced:

• Blocked mountain roads
• Aftershocks
• Shortage of vehicles
• Weather challenges
• Communication difficulties

Despite all these obstacles, OTED completed every project successfully.

Future Plans: What OTED Will Do Next in Kunar

OTED plans to continue supporting Kunar through:

• Long-term shelter reconstruction
• Livelihood programs
• Education and training projects
• Community development initiatives

Our commitment to Kunar is long-term, not just during emergencies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the purpose of the OTED Kunar emergency relief program?

To support families affected by the earthquake with shelter, food, cash, and winter supplies.

2. How many families received tents from OTED?

OTED provided 200 tents to 200 families.

3. How many food packages did OTED distribute?

OTED distributed 50 essential food packages.

4. Why did OTED provide cash assistance?

Cash helps families address personal urgent needs that aid packages cannot cover.

5. How many families received blankets?

250 families received warm blankets for winter.

6. How can people support OTED’s future programs?

They can visit OTED’s website here: oted.org

Conclusion

The OTED Kunar emergency relief initiative brought safety, dignity, and hope to hundreds of earthquake-affected families. Through four powerful projects, tents, food, cash assistance, and winter blankets, OTED stood with the people of Kunar when they needed it most.

Our mission continues. Our commitment remains strong. And together, with community support, we will keep changing lives for the better.