In the wake of the devastating earthquakes that struck eastern Afghanistan, India has extended a helping hand by delivering 21 tonnes of relief materials to aid the affected population. This humanitarian assistance arrives following a series of powerful earthquakes, the strongest measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale, which have resulted in a tragic loss of life and widespread destruction.
The earthquakes, with their epicenter in the Kama district of Nangarhar Province near the Pakistan border, have caused tremors felt as far away as Pakistan and India. The provinces of Kunar, Laghman, Nangarhar, and Nuristan have been particularly hard hit, with preliminary reports estimating that at least 12,000 people have been directly affected. The situation remains dire as rescue teams and humanitarian organizations race against time to reach remote villages, hampered by landslides and damaged roads.
India's response to the crisis has been swift and comprehensive. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced the aid, emphasizing India's commitment to stand by Afghanistan during this challenging time. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar personally conveyed condolences to Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, assuring him of India's support.
The relief materials sent by India include essential items such as generators, portable water purifiers, medicines, blankets, tents, and sleeping bags. Earlier, India had dispatched 1,000 family tents to Kabul and 15 tonnes of food supplies to Kunar from the Indian Mission in Kabul. Trucks carrying sacks of rice and other food items have been seen moving towards the affected regions, demonstrating India's proactive approach to supporting relief operations.
India's commitment to Afghanistan is further underscored by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who stated that India will continue to monitor the situation and provide additional humanitarian aid in the coming days. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences and affirmed India's readiness to provide all possible assistance to those affected.
Other countries and organizations have also pledged support to Afghanistan. China has expressed its sympathies and offered assistance based on Afghanistan's needs. The World Food Programme (WFP) is delivering emergency aid, including food and high-energy biscuits, to the affected communities. Businessman Mirwais Azizi has also announced a $7 million relief effort through the Azizi Foundation.
The recent earthquakes compound existing challenges in Afghanistan, particularly for the Taliban government, which has been grappling with a fragile healthcare system and limited resources. A previous 6.1-magnitude earthquake in 2022 claimed 1,000 lives, highlighting the country's vulnerability to seismic events. Afghanistan is prone to earthquakes because it is located on top of several fault lines where the Indian and Eurasian plates meet.
