Why is PM Modi Heartbroken Over the Earthquake in Afghanistan?

New Delhi, Sep 1 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound grief on Monday regarding the catastrophic earthquake that struck Afghanistan, with the death toll now exceeding 812. He affirmed India’s commitment to extend humanitarian assistance.

In a statement on social media platform X, PM Modi remarked, "I am deeply saddened by the loss of lives resulting from the earthquake in Afghanistan. Our thoughts and prayers are with the grieving families during this challenging time, and we wish for a swift recovery for the injured. India stands prepared to offer all necessary humanitarian relief to those impacted."

Earlier that day, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar voiced similar sentiments, expressing grave concern over the earthquake in Afghanistan’s Kunar Province, which has resulted in over 812 fatalities thus far.

"India will extend assistance in this critical time. Our condolences go out to the families of the victims, and we pray for the rapid recovery of those injured," he stated.

Rescue teams are currently working in remote regions with limited communication to evaluate the extent of the devastation and provide necessary aid. Officials have indicated that the reported death toll is preliminary as rescue efforts are ongoing, according to official media.

The 6.0-magnitude earthquake hit the eastern sector of Afghanistan at 11:47 p.m. local time on Sunday, occurring at a depth of eight kilometers, as per the US Geological Survey, Xinhua news agency reported.

Afghanistan is particularly susceptible to earthquakes due to its location atop several fault lines where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates converge. The mountainous landscape of eastern Afghanistan also faces landslides, complicating rescue operations.

A series of earthquakes in western regions last year resulted in over 1,000 deaths, highlighting the susceptibility of one of the world's poorest nations to natural calamities.

A 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan on October 7, 2023, accompanied by powerful aftershocks. The Taliban government estimated that at least 4,000 individuals lost their lives, marking it as one of the deadliest natural disasters in recent Afghan history.

According to the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, more than 7,000 people have died in earthquakes throughout Afghanistan over the last decade, averaging 560 fatalities annually.

An earthquake in May 1998 in Takhar and Badakhshan provinces claimed approximately 4,000 lives, damaging or destroying nearly 100 villages and 16,000 homes, leaving 45,000 individuals homeless.