International Aid Pours into Afghanistan After Deadly Earthquake
Following a devastating magnitude 6.0 earthquake that killed over 2,200 and injured 4,000 people in Afghanistan’s eastern Kunar province, a wave of international humanitarian aid has been mobilized to assist the beleaguered nation.
Countries and global organizations are sending a variety of supplies, from food and medical equipment to rescue teams and financial aid, to help with the extensive relief efforts.
A number of nations have swiftly responded to the crisis. Qatar launched a humanitarian air bridge with nine aircraft, including five from its Amiri Air Force, to deliver field hospitals, medical supplies, and rescue assistance. Other countries have also contributed significant resources. Russia delivered 20 tons of food aid, while China sent $200,000 in aid and pledged an additional 50 million yuan (over $7 million). Japan provided 7 tons of non-food items, including tents and blankets, and the United Arab Emirates dispatched three aircraft carrying over 105 tonnes of food supplies and a rescue team. The United Kingdom and South Korea have also pledged emergency funding of £1 million and $1 million, respectively, to be channeled through aid organizations.
International organizations are playing a crucial role in coordinating and distributing the aid on the ground. The European Union has allocated €1 million in emergency funding and donated around 130 tonnes of relief supplies. Various UN agencies, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS), have mobilized teams to assist with search and rescue operations, provide medical care, and deliver essential supplies. Volunteers from the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC) and the Afghan Red Crescent Society are also assisting with search and rescue and distributing crucial supplies.
Despite these efforts, aid faces significant challenges due to the difficult mountainous terrain and a pre-existing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, which has been exacerbated by recent funding cuts to aid programs. Aid agencies are appealing for more financial support from the international community to meet the massive needs of the affected population.
