Major Earthquake Strikes Afghanistan, Prompting International Aid Efforts
Another Earthquake Rocks Afghanistan
Western Afghanistan was hit by another major earthquake on Wednesday, just days after a devastating quake claimed the lives of over 2,400 people and left thousands of homes destroyed in the region.
International Aid Pledges to Afghanistan
Several countries and organizations have pledged humanitarian aid to Afghanistan as U.N. agencies work to assess the damage and casualties in Herat province.
European Union’s Contribution
The European Union has pledged 3.5 million euros ($3.71 million) in emergency humanitarian aid funding. This amount is in addition to the 2.5 million euros already available for relief operations on the ground. The main focus of the aid is to provide emergency shelter, medical relief items, and access to safe drinking water and sanitation, especially in areas affected by recent droughts. The EU has already allocated 89 million euros in humanitarian aid for Afghanistan in 2023.
Abu Dhabi’s Humanitarian Support
The Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan charitable and humanitarian foundation in Abu Dhabi is providing emergency aid, including food, medical assistance, and other essential supplies. This support is being coordinated with the ministry of foreign affairs.
UN Approves Emergency Reserve Allocation
The U.N. humanitarian coordinator has approved a $5 million emergency reserve allocation from the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund (AHF). The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) will process the allocation within 24 hours, enabling eligible partners to access their grants from October 9. However, the availability of AHF resources depends on additional donor contributions. The U.N. partners will also develop an emergency appeal as part of the existing 2023 humanitarian response plan.
Support from Pakistan, Iran, and China
Pakistan, Iran, and China have all pledged their support to Afghanistan. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Anwar ul Haq Kakar announced that they are sending medical teams, field hospitals, tents, and blankets as requested by Kabul. Iran’s Foreign Minister Amir Abdullahian has promised humanitarian aid and expressed readiness to cooperate with Afghanistan. The Chinese Red Cross Society has pledged $200,000 in aid to the Afghan Red Crescent.
Turkey Ready to Assist in Recovery Efforts
Turkey’s foreign office has expressed its readiness to provide support for the recovery efforts in the affected areas.
These international aid efforts aim to alleviate the suffering caused by the recent earthquakes in Afghanistan. The support includes various forms of assistance, such as food, medical supplies, tents, blankets, and funding. The affected region urgently requires emergency shelter, medical relief items, and access to safe drinking water and sanitation. The global community is coming together to provide aid and support to the affected communities in Afghanistan during this challenging time.
