How is India Supporting Earthquake-Affected Families in Afghanistan?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India delivered food aid to support Afghan families affected by the earthquake.
- The earthquake had a magnitude of 6.3 and impacted northern Afghanistan.
- Over 20 fatalities and hundreds of injuries have been reported.
- India's External Affairs Minister expressed condolences and assured ongoing support.
- Challenges in rescue efforts persist due to damaged infrastructure.
Kabul/New Delhi, Nov 3 (NationPress) On Monday, India provided essential food supplies to families impacted by the earthquake that hit the provinces of Balkh, Samangan, and Baghlan in Afghanistan.
"Reaffirming its commitment to the Afghan people, India has sent food assistance for those affected by the earthquake," stated Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), on X.
This aid follows a devastating earthquake of magnitude 6.3 that resulted in over 20 fatalities and injured hundreds in northern Afghanistan.
Earlier, the External Affairs Minister (EAM), S. Jaishankar, reached out to his Afghan counterpart, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, to express his condolences for the loss of lives. He assured that Indian relief supplies would be delivered to those impacted by the earthquake and that more assistance would arrive shortly.
Following their discussion, EAM Jaishankar posted on X, "Spoke with FM Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi this afternoon to extend condolences for the lives lost in the earthquake affecting Balkh, Samangan, and Baghlan provinces. Indian relief supplies for the affected communities are being delivered today. Additional medical supplies will follow soon."
He also mentioned the progress in bilateral relations since the Afghan minister's last visit, highlighting the growing people-to-people connections between India and Afghanistan and the productive exchange of views on regional matters.
The earthquake's epicenter was located in the Khulm district of Balkh province, shaking numerous northern Afghan regions, including Samangan and Badakhshan, and was felt as far as Kabul, according to Afghanistan's major news agency, Khaama Press.
Reports indicate that at least 10 individuals were killed, and 260 were injured in Samangan province, while four died and over 100 were hurt in Balkh, as per Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Health.
Local officials in Badakhshan reported numerous injuries and significant damage, with over 800 homes either damaged or destroyed, particularly in remote mountain areas where rescue efforts are hampered by blocked roads and poor communication, Khaama Press noted.
Officials have cautioned that the death toll from the recent earthquakes in northern Afghanistan has reached 20, with more than 400 reported injuries, and the numbers may rise as search operations continue.