Afghanistan temblor wipes out homes, generations, livelihoods

Ahmad Khan Safi had a good life in Afghanistan. The farmer raised livestock in the Dewagal Valley of Kunar Province, and people traveled from across the country to visit the area. Tourists marveled at its verdant landscape, winding paths, and formidable slopes. The valley appeared untouched.

- 

It was hard to reach, so inaccessible that people had to change cars four times from the city of Jalalabad, in neighboring Nangarhar province, and walk the rest of the way for several hours or ride a mule.

Safi had built a 10-room house from mud and stone because wood and cement were too expensive and impractical to transport. The home collapsed as soon as a major earthquake that killed at least 2,000 people struck on Aug. 31. His shock was quickly replaced by fear and panic.