Devastating death toll surpasses 2,200 due to catastrophic earthquake in Afghanistan; international aid begins to pour in

In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in eastern Afghanistan, which has claimed over 2,200 lives and left at least 3,640 injured, the world community has rallied to provide aid and support.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning, highlighting that recurrent natural disasters have deepened public health risks in the war-torn country. Amidst this crisis, rescue teams are racing against time to find survivors.

China's International Development Cooperation Agency has announced a 50 million yuan (around $7 million) aid package for Afghanistan. This package includes tents, blankets, and food for survivors. Similarly, China has dispatched emergency supplies, including tents, blankets, and food, to the affected areas.

Japan has delivered tents and blankets through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). Turkey has sent 25 tonnes of supplies to Kunar, while Russia has dispatched 20 tonnes of food supplies.

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has received a shipment of European Union aid, which includes tents, medical equipment, and clothing. The Afghan Red Crescent Society received a donation of 210 tonnes of food from Saudi Arabia.

Ireland has allocated €500,000, and Australia announced $1 million for clean water, food, and healthcare in Afghanistan. Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar announced a donation of 105 tonnes of food, medicine, tents, and blankets. Turkmenistan has pledged food, shelter, and medical aid for Afghanistan.

Countries and organizations that have sent aid supplies to Afghanistan after the earthquake include UNICEF supported by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO), which dispatched 130 tons of aid from Copenhagen, along with other humanitarian groups delivering thousands of tents, water containers, blankets, stoves, tarps, and solar lamps to affected areas.

Entire villages in Kunar Province have been destroyed, leaving thousands homeless. In solidarity, Afghanistan's embassies in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and Mumbai, India, held condolence ceremonies. Diplomats and Afghan communities abroad attended these ceremonies.

As the search and rescue operations continue, it is crucial to ensure that the affected population receives the necessary aid. The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has reported that over 15 million Afghans face acute food insecurity. Fitrat, the Afghan Minister of Disaster Management and Humanitarian Affairs, emphasized that rescue and search operations are still actively underway in Afghanistan.

In these challenging times, the global community stands united in its efforts to support Afghanistan in overcoming this disaster.

Devastating death toll surpasses 2,200 due to catastrophic earthquake in Afghanistan; international aid begins to pour in