Relief supplies pour in as Afghanistan grapples with earthquake aftermaths

ISLAMABAD

Consignments of relief goods from several countries, including Türkiye, Pakistan, China, and Japan, arrived in Afghanistan to help Kabul cope with the devastation caused by last week’s massive earthquake.

According to the Afghan Taliban administration, so far emergency aid supplies from several countries, including the UN agencies, arrived in Herat.

“We are thankful to Türkiye, Pakistan, China, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, and UN agencies for their support,” Mullah Janan Saiq, a spokesman for the Disaster Management Ministry, told Anadolu over the phone.

On early Wednesday morning, a 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan’s western province of Herat, days after a similar earthquake hit the region, according to the US Geological Survey. However, no casualties have been reported so far by the Afghan authorities.

On Tuesday, Afghanistan's Disaster Management Ministry said the number of dead and injured from last week's earthquake has exceeded 4,500.

According to the UN, at least 12,110 people (1,730 families) have been affected by last Saturday’s powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquake that struck Herat province and they are providing medical services, emergency shelter, food, water, and protection.

However, a local volunteer, Abdurehman Mawlavizada, said at least 20 villages were completely destroyed by last week's earthquake and they are still busy removing the trapped people under the rubble.

“So far, 3,000 people have lost their lives and over 3,000 injured,” Mawlavizada told Anadolu over the phone, who is working in the affected areas along with other locals to help the affected families.

However, Mullah Janan Saiq did not confirm the 6,000 number of dead and injured, fearing the number might go up as a number of people are still trapped under the rubble.

“Today’s earthquake was also strong and we are in contact with local authorities to determine the damage,” he added.

Abdul Fatah Jawad, head of Ahsas Welfare and Social Services Organization Afghanistan, who is currently in Herat, said the latest earthquake spread further panic among the locals.

“Our teams are already working in affected areas, providing emergency relief to victim families and I fear today’s earthquake may cause further damage,” he told Anadolu.

Meanwhile, Australia on Wednesday also announced AU$1 million ($642,400) as aid assistance for the people of Afghanistan.

“We are deeply troubled by the loss of life and destruction in Afghanistan," said Foreign Minister Penny Wong in a statement, adding her country stands with the people of Afghanistan.

Australia has already committed AU$50 million ($32.1 million) in 2023-24 to counter the ongoing crises in Afghanistan.