Weeks after a powerful earthquake devastated several Afghan provinces, many survivors are refusing to return to their mountain villages, fearing that fresh landslides could bury their homes and families.

The tremors, which flattened hundreds of houses built on fragile slopes, left thousands homeless and dependent on temporary camps and aid shelters. While relief efforts have reached the worst-hit areas, experts have warned that aftershocks and unstable terrain continue to pose serious risks.

Local residents say they do not feel safe going back, as cracks in the mountains and loose soil make the area vulnerable to further collapse. “We lost everything once. If we return, we may lose our lives too,” said a man from one of the affected districts.

Authorities have urged people to remain cautious and avoid unsafe zones, while humanitarian groups are working to provide long-term housing solutions. However, uncertainty looms large as many families remain displaced, struggling to balance survival needs with the fear of nature striking again.