The United Nations, the European Union, Japan and Turkey have expressed deep sorrow over the deadly earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan on Sunday night and have sent teams to provide urgent assistance to the affected communities.
The earthquake struck around midnight, registering a magnitude of 6.0 on the Richter scale, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The Ministry of Interior Affairs reported that the quake in Kunar and Nangarhar provinces claimed 622 lives and injured 1,555 people, while destroying a large number of homes.
The Ministry of Public Health said 80 people were also injured in Laghman province.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres wrote on X: “I stand in full solidarity with the people of Afghanistan after the devastating earthquake that struck the country today. I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to the injured.”
He added that the UN team in Afghanistan has been mobilized and will spare no effort to assist those in need.
The UN in Afghanistan also stated on X: “A devastating earthquake has shaken eastern Afghanistan, killing hundreds and injuring many more. Our teams are on the ground providing urgent aid and life-saving support.”
The European Union in Afghanistan wrote on X: “We extend our heartfelt condolences to all affected by the recent earthquake in Kunar and Nangarhar provinces. Our humanitarian partners are actively on the ground, providing critical aid. We stand in full solidarity with Afghans.”
Pakistan and India, expressing solidarity with the people of Afghanistan, have voiced their readiness to provide assistance to those affected by the deadly earthquake in eastern Afghanistan.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on his X handle: “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to the earthquake in Afghanistan. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families in this difficult hour, and we wish a speedy recovery to the injured. India stands ready to provide all possible humanitarian aid and relief to those affected.”
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also posted on X: “Deeply saddened by the devastating earthquake in eastern Afghanistan, which shook Kabul and was also felt in various parts of Pakistan, including Islamabad.
“With reports confirming hundreds of precious lives lost and villages destroyed, our hearts go out to the victims and their families. On behalf of the people and Government of Pakistan, I extend my heartfelt condolences and prayers to the bereaved families. We stand in solidarity with our Afghan brothers and sisters in this hour of grief, and we are ready to extend all possible support in this regard.”
Earlier, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed sympathy with the people of Afghanistan, particularly those who lost their lives in the earthquake in the eastern provinces.
The ministry also announced Iran’s readiness to provide assistance to the Afghan government in the rescue and relief operations.
Takayoshi Kurumaya, Japan’s ambassador to Kabul, expressed sadness over the casualties and extended his condolences to the victims.
The Turkish Embassy in Kabul posted on X: “We received with great sorrow the news that many people lost their lives in last night’s earthquake. We pray to Almighty God for mercy on the deceased and a swift recovery for the injured, and we extend our condolences to the brotherly people of Afghanistan. Turkey is closely monitoring the situation.”
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