A robust 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck japanese Afghanistan late Sunday evening, killing greater than 1,400 folks and injuring over 3,000, based on the Taliban authorities. Officers mentioned the dying toll is rising as rescuers are looking by way of the particles of collapsed houses in distant mountainous areas.
The toughest-hit province was Kunar, the place authorities spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed that 1,411 folks had been killed and greater than 3,100 had been injured. In neighbouring Nangarhar province, a minimum of 12 extra folks had been killed and tons of injured. Many victims, together with kids, had been buried by villagers after funeral prayers.
Rescue operations remained troublesome as a number of villages are nonetheless inaccessible as a consequence of blocked roads. Survivors described total neighbourhoods lowered to mess. “There may be solely rubble left,” mentioned Obaidullah Stoman, an area resident looking for a lacking buddy.
Worldwide Assist from India and UAE
India has introduced pressing humanitarian help to Afghanistan. The Ministry of Exterior Affairs posted on X that India is sending meals provides, together with rice and important gadgets, to assist aid efforts. Photographs shared confirmed vans loaded with assist supplies headed in direction of Afghanistan.
The United Arab Emirates has additionally deployed a search and rescue group, together with members of the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, the Nationwide Guard, and the Joint Operations Command. The UAE’s aid package deal consists of meals, tents, and medical provides. Officers mentioned the help displays the nation’s dedication to offer fast humanitarian assist in instances of disaster.
Humanitarian Disaster Deepens
The United Nations humanitarian coordinator in Afghanistan, Indrika Ratwatte, warned that the earthquake might affect “tons of of 1000’s” of individuals. Reduction companies mentioned many injured villagers are nonetheless ready for evacuation to hospitals.
The USA was Afghanistan’s principal donor in earlier crises however lately they’ve lowered assist provides. For the reason that Taliban takeover in 2021, Washington had offered $3.71 billion in help however minimize most funding in January 2024. Assist teams have mentioned this discount has brought about a scarcity of medical doctors, nurses, and ambulances accessible to reply.
Humanitarian organisations there are calling for extra worldwide assist, highlighting that Afghanistan is already going through surging poverty, worsening drought, and the mass return of migrants expelled from neighbouring international locations.
Officers and consultants on X (previously) have warned that the dying toll might rise additional as a consequence of restricted assets, challenges and fewer aids.