‘We lost everything twice’: Afghan returnees struggle after earthquake

After eight years as a refugee in Pakistan, Nawab Din returned to his hometown of Wadir, high in the mountains of Afghanistan’s eastern Kunar province, with a four-month stay.

He resides on his own farmland in a tent today. His house was completely destroyed by the earthquake, which has decimated the lives of thousands of people in this area.

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The 55-year-old farmer said at his cousin’s shop in the nearby village of Noorgal, “We are living in tent camps now.” Our homes were dated, and neither were standing. During the earthquake, large boulders slammed into the mountain tops, destroying them all.

Din’s conflict perfectly captures the double disaster that many Afghans are facing. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), more than four million people have come back from Iran and Pakistan since September 2023.

More than 5, 000 homes were destroyed and 2,200 people died as a result of the earthquake’s, which added to the already-profound economic crisis.

In Diwa Gul valley in Kunar province, on August 31, tents were built to accommodate those who had been evacuated by the magnitude 6.0 earthquake.

“We lost everything in Pakistan, and now we’ve lost everything here,” Din continues.

After fleeing his village in Afghanistan eight years ago, ISIL (ISIS) fighters told him to join them or leave. He had been living in Daska, a city in Sialkot District of Pakistan, for eight years.

He explains that he was forced to immigrate to Pakistan and that he refrained from joining ISIL.

His exile came to an abrupt conclusion this year as the Pakistani government continues to crack down on illegal foreigners across the country.

He describes how Pakistani police took him and his family to a camp where they would be deported after raiding his home. He claims that when we were told our time there was up, we were forced to leave and that we were disappointed when we returned from Pakistan.

Before returning to our village, we had to spend two nights at the Torkham border crossing until the Afghan government had approved our stay.

58-year-old Sadat Khan in the village of Barabat, in Afghanistan's Kunar province [Sorin Furcoi/Al Jazeera]
Sadat Khan, 58, is a Kunar province resident of Afghanistan’s village of Barabat.

Kunar experiences this struggle in equal measure. The 58-year-old Sadat Khan, who was renting a home until the earthquake, occupies a spot close to Noorgal, in the village of Barabat.

Khan’s wife and seven children could no longer depend on him because his health was deteriorating and he could no longer find employment. What little left for him has been destroyed by the earthquake.

“I also had a poor life in Pakistan.” He tells Al Jazeera, “My entire family depended on me because I was the only one who could work.” “We don’t know where the next meal will be,” the statement read. No jobs are available in this area. Additionally, my lungs are struggling. If I put in more effort, I’ll have trouble breathing.

He claims that there hasn’t been a response to his family’s request for a tent in the local authorities.

He claims that he requested a tent to be installed here after going to the authorities. I asked someone to give me a room for my children’s sake because we haven’t received anything. Now that the winter is upon us, my uncle had mercy on me and allowed me to stay in one of his homes.

One crisis out of many

The most obvious of the crises that Iran and Pakistan’s returnees are in is the earthquake, which is only the most obvious.

Our region is barren, and there is no stream or river close to the village, Din claims. Rainfall is a major factor in our farming and daily lives, and we haven’t seen much of it lately. Other people enquire as to how we can survive there because of the severe water shortage.

After the earthquake, nutritionist Dr. Farida Safi, who works at a field hospital run by Islamic Relief in Diwa Gul valley, claims malnutrition is a major issue.

She explains that the majority of those who have been affected by the earthquake have food deficiencies, most notably as a result of their village’s poor diet and access to nutrition. “Many malnourished children need to be treated,” said the doctor.

The destroyed mud brick house that 58-year-old Sadat Khan was renting in Barabat village [Sorin Furcoi/Al Jazeera]
Sadat Khan, 58, was renting a mudbrick home in Barabat village [Sorin Furcoi/Al Jazeera]

According to the plan, the Kunar government has begun building a new town that will include 382 residential plots, according to Kunar’s governor, Mawlawi Qudratullah.

The Ministry of Urban Development and Housing’s national programs include this one in Khas Kunar district, which aims to provide Afghan returnees with permanent housing. However, it’s not known how long these new homes will take construction, or whether or not returnees will receive farmland.

According to Qudratullah, “it will be for those who don’t have any land or home in this province.” And, in addition to the earthquake response, this project has already begun.

Such promises seem distant to those who reside in or are close to the remnants of their old homes. Nawab Din is consumed in Noorgal by the earthquake’s immediate fear of aftershocks and uncertainty regarding what will happen next.

He says, “I don’t know if the government will move us down to the plains or whether they will help us rebuild.” His voice is exhausting. However, I worry that as aftershocks continue to strike, sometimes so strong that the tents will shake, we will be forced to stay in camps.

Villages damaged by the eartquake in Nurgal valley, Afghanistan's Kunar province [Sorin Furcoi/Al Jazeera]
In the Kunar province of Afghanistan’s Nurgal valley, villages were severely damaged by the earthquake.

Today’s horoscope for September 20 as Leo deals with financial struggles

One star sign in today’s horoscope for Saturday, September 20 makes their feelings clear, while the next poses some fresh challenges.

Find out what’s written in the stars with our astrologer Russell Grant(Image: Daily Record/GettyImages)

One star sign attempts to remain optimistic on Saturday, September 20, while another contemplates investing.

There are 12 zodiac signs – Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces – and the horoscopes for each can give you the lowdown on what your future holds, be it in work, your love life, your friends and family or more.

These daily forecasts have been compiled by astrologer Russell Grant, who has been reading star signs for over 50 years. From Aries through to Pisces, here’s what today could bring for your horoscope – and what you can do to be prepared.

Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Your family and friends’ actions will serve as your motivators. Don’t be shy to ask a friend or neighbor to help out with a volunteer project. You’ll feel proud when you do something good, and it’ll give you more and exciting opportunities in October.

Taurus (Apr 21 – May 21)

This day would end quickly if you had a wish. You might be wondering how lucky you can be. Don’t be too alarmed if everything you put effort into will eventually lead to failure. Tomorrow will be the day’s problems resolved.

Gemini (May 22 – June 21)

A good time to consider investing money in potential investments that will pay off in the long run. A partner will try to persuade you to spend more money than you would normally. It’s important to strike the right balance between making the most of the moment and making plans for the future.

Cancer (June 22 – July 23)

You are willing to assume full accountability for your work. You want to rebel against those who refuse to fulfill their obligations because of this. Keep your thoughts positive, and you’ll be able to complete challenging tasks more effectively. Keep in mind that your efforts are worthwhile.

Leo (July 24 – Aug 23)

Don’t let your unfavorable financial situation derail you. Make the most of what you can get by, even if it isn’t very much. Give yourself a nice treat to lift your spirits. Invite a close friend over for a meal by reaching out to them.

Virgo (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

Your intuitive feelings are reflected in by the Moon. This can make things easier for you to face the challenges and obstacles of today. Conversations will help you move things forward in a positive way and leave you feeling content and at peace.

Libra (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

You can reasonably expect to manage anything relating to your personal life without issues. While matters of the heart can be left to fate, your job or volunteer campaign remains strong. Even so, it’s a great time to express your love to someone close to you.

Scorpio (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

You may experience emotions below the surface, but you may be able to navigate them. You already know that friendships and group dynamics may present difficulties. You are encouraged to speak with caution. Remember, too, that you can’t always prove your worth.

Sagittarius (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

Events and communications will focus on how others perceive you. You might feel compelled to follow your instincts and follow your heart’s desire. Instead of choosing the simplest path, make sure you are doing the right thing. Let your actions be guided by conscience.

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

Your beliefs or long-term objectives are being challenged, which will necessitate reflection. Take a step back and consider the bigger picture. When should plans or commitments be reviewed. When there are gaps in wisdom and understanding, delays may have a purpose.

Aquarius (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

There is a change being made. You might need to let go of a financial or emotional burden. Do you experience conflict because of a friendship? Even though it seems uncertain, it will cause positive change. Trust this process because even in the most uncomfortable situations, deep healing is occurring beneath the surface.

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Pisces (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

Relationships can lead to growth, but not always in a comfortable way. You might experience more emotional or physical vulnerability. Let your anchor be truth. Recognizing your vulnerability doesn’t make you a failure. Although speaking from the heart is not easy and love is not, this is what is required right now.

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Jeremy Clarkson opens up on ‘disaster’ at Diddly Squat Farm that ‘nobody saw coming’

Early this year, Clarkson’s Farm, the highly acclaimed Amazon Prime program, aired its fourth season, which highlights some of the difficulties Jeremy has encountered.

The latest knockback Jeremy had to face came as an outbreak of bovine tuberculosis (TB) (Image: Prime Video)

Television personality Jeremy Clarkson has admitted that certain parts of managing a farm have been a “disaster,” as he hasn’t experienced a single normal year since taking charge of operations at Diddly Squat Farm.

The star experienced immense stress during filming of season four of Clarkson’s Farm, where he tackled various challenges of opening The Farmer’s Dog pub, navigating constant hurdles and red tape. And operations on the farm have been anything but smooth sailing over the last year.

Early this year, Clarkson’s Farm, the highly acclaimed Amazon Prime program, aired its fourth season, which highlights some of the difficulties Jeremy has encountered.. The latest knockback Jeremy had to face came as an outbreak of bovine tuberculosis (TB) hit Diddly Squat Farm.

Jeremy has had a tough year
Jeremy has had a tough year but he tries to see the positive and ploughs on with his farming (Image: Jam Press/@jeremyclarkson1)

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He claimed a vet had discovered the terrible finding, according to Times Radio. After that, he wrote: “Bad news from Diddly Squat.” on X (previously Twitter). We have TB in our system. Everyone present has been completely devastated.

He said, “We are gifted every year by something,” in a statement to The Telegraph. Covid was present in its middle for the first time. Nobody was anticipating that.

Kit Lynch Robinson, Lisa Hogan, Jeremy Clarkson and Harriet Cowan accept the 'Factual Entertainment' Award for 'Clarkson's Farm' during the NTA's 2025
Kit Lynch Robinson, Lisa Hogan, Jeremy Clarkson and Harriet Cowan accept the ‘Factual Entertainment’ Award for ‘Clarkson’s Farm’ during the NTA’s 2025 (Image: Getty Images for the NTA’s)

West Oxfordshire Council’s second year was a little challenging and had a really good story beat. I was prohibited from establishing a restaurant on the farm. That one was beyond anyone’s comprehension.

Then, all the pigs died in the third year. Then, it simply continued to rain in year four. It hasn’t yet begun this year. Not a single year has gone by.

This is an unbelievable disaster, but it will occasionally make you wonder if it’s funny to watch. However, it differs from The Grand Tour in terms of setup.

Continue reading the article.

On the Channel 4 website, you can stream Matt Baker’s Farm for free while Clarkson’s Farm can be watched on Prime Video.

Dragons’ Den Sara Davies shares ‘little breakfast hack’ – it tastes ‘amazing’

The 41-year-old described her morning snack as essentially “instant fruity sprinkles.”

The TV star insists her trick is ‘fit for a queen’(Image: Mike Marsland/WireImage)

Sara Davies swears by a simple breakfast tip to start her mornings and claims it’s even ‘fit for a queen’. The Dragons’ Den star, 41, shared her trick on Instagram, encouraging fans to try it themselves.

“Ok… I have to share this little breakfast hack because it is honestly fit for a queen,” Sara wrote. “Greek yoghurt will never be the same again!”

Sara’s method involves popping a peach, apple, or any other fruit in the freezer overnight, despite being straightforward. It has a crispy, sweet flavor when it is scattered over a yoghurt-based breakfast creation when it is first rolled up.

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It tastes AMAZING and is similar to instant fruity sprinkles, Sara continued. It’s crunchy, sweet, and fresh, and it instantly makes your brekkie look so fancy. Give it a try tomorrow, and I’ll be grateful when I finish it.

It should come as no surprise that Sara’s clever tip quickly received a lot of Instagram comments from fans who wanted to try it as well. One user wrote, “Omg I’m going to try this!” looks delicious.

Another person continued, “Great idea. Going to try this, as another user previously stated, “Amazing with a tomato, too, over mozzarella or cottage cheese.”

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Sara’s post comes in the wake of her recently overhaul of her lifestyle, which includes embracing a variety of nutritious cooking and living practices. She revealed last year that her dress size dropped from 16 to 12 after making a significant weight loss, but she emphasized that there is no “magic pill” that will make everything happen overnight.

The Dragons’ Den star also warned against fraud using her name to promote “slimming pills” in shady social media scams despite all of this.

She said a few months ago, “There are dozens of them going round, and I’m hearing anecdotally from different friends, and So and So has asked me get you to check with Sara if those slimming pills she’s invested in are any good.”

“Honestly, I’m devastated by the notion that people are being defrauded by so much money, or worse, that they could actually send for something and end up taking random pills without knowing what they’re getting,” I say. And it’s being done because people think it’s good; it makes me sick!

Sara Davies attends the NTA's 2025 at The O2 Arena on September 10, 2025 in London, England
Recently, the Dragons’ Den star also warned that her name has been used to promote ‘slimming pills’ in worrying social media scams(Image: Getty Images for the NTA’s)

In keeping with Sara’s previous advice, Sara cautioned followers to watch out for suspicious social media posts. Something “sees a little fishy” is probably it is.

She continued, “I was always told that if it looks a little fishy and smells a little fishy, it’s probably a scam and keep well away,” so please spread the word about this, share it, tell your friends, and let everyone know that this is all a load of rubbish and a total scam.

Continue reading the article.