Kabul, September 1 (Kiran News): A powerful earthquake measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale struck Afghanistan’s Kunar province late Sunday night, causing massive destruction. The death toll has crossed 800, with more than 2,800 people injured. The epicentre was located about 27 kilometres from Jalalabad. The region also experienced two aftershocks measuring 5.2 in intensity. According to government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, at least 812 people have lost their lives and 2,817 have been injured in eastern Afghanistan.
Entire Villages Destroyed, Rescue Operations Face Obstacles
The Taliban government reported that Nurgal, Sawki, Watapur, Manogi, Chawki, and Chapa Dara are among the worst-affected areas. Several villages have been completely wiped out. A senior Taliban official told the BBC, “The destruction is unimaginable. Our priority is not to recover bodies from the debris, but to reach the survivors.” Landslides and continuous rainfall have blocked most roads, forcing rescue teams to rely on air support. So far, nearly 420 injured and deceased have been airlifted to hospitals.
Deepening Humanitarian Crisis, Slow International Aid
According to United Nations reports, Afghanistan is already battling a severe humanitarian crisis, with more than half the population needing immediate assistance. Local authorities said that no foreign government has sent substantial direct aid so far. However, India has dispatched 1,000 family tents to Kabul and is in the process of sending 15 tonnes of food supplies to Kunar. India has also announced that more relief material will be sent from Tuesday. Meanwhile, China has declared that it will provide assistance as needed.
Afghan Government Announces $1.46 Million in Immediate Aid
The Afghan government has pledged $1.46 million in emergency funds to tackle the aftermath of the earthquake. According to Tolo News, Ministry of Public Health spokesperson Sharafat Zaman announced that the government has allocated 100 million Afghan Afghanis ($1.46 million) for urgent services to earthquake victims. Officials stated that the amount may be increased if required. UN agencies have called on international donors to step up support for relief efforts.
Inaccessible Areas Face Rising Risks and Disease Threats
Kate Carey from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) stated that the affected regions have been battling heavy rainfall for the past 48 hours, increasing the risk of landslides. The breakdown of mobile networks and damaged roads has made it extremely difficult to reach remote villages. Relief workers are working to remove animal carcasses swiftly to prevent contamination of water sources. Authorities believe that as rescue teams reach more remote areas, the death toll may rise further.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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