Emergency responders rush to locate survivors following Afghan earthquake, casualties surpass 1,400 lives

In the aftermath of a devastating 6.0 magnitude earthquake that struck several provinces in Afghanistan, the Taliban authorities are working tirelessly to provide aid and rescue the affected population.

The earthquake, which occurred on Sunday, has left over 1,400 people dead and more than 3,000 injured, according to Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid. The disaster has flattened villages and caused extensive damage across the region.

In an effort to reach the injured in remote, rugged areas where helicopters cannot land, the Taliban authorities are air-dropping commandos to evacuate the wounded. This tactic, while unconventional, underscores the Taliban's determination to rescue those in need.

The immediate priorities for humanitarian aid include emergency shelter, critical medical supplies, drinking water, and emergency food aid. Over 420 health facilities have closed or been suspended due to a "massive reduction" in funding, with 80 of them located in the eastern region, the epicentre of the quake.

In response to the disaster, several humanitarian organizations have announced aid for earthquake victims in Afghanistan. The United Nations Refugee Agency is providing essential supplies like solar lamps, kitchen sets, and medical kits. The Afghan Red Crescent is offering emergency shelter and medical care with disaster and mobile health teams. Caritas International is funding and advising local partners, despite difficult access. Help e.V. is supplying cash assistance and urgent relief materials to affected families.

The UK has pledged 1 million pounds ($1.3 million) to be split between humanitarian agencies, with the funds not going to the Taliban government. The UN has also deployed essential items including blankets and solar lamps to areas that can be reached.

Aid agency Save the Children's team walked over 19 kilometers to reach villages cut off by rock falls, carrying medical equipment on their backs. The UN's resident coordinator for Afghanistan, Indrika Ratwatte, has warned of a surge in casualty numbers due to the earthquake.

An aftershock of 5.2 magnitude occurred on Tuesday near the epicenter of Sunday's quake, but there were no immediate reports of damage. The UN has dispatched at least 25 assessment teams to the region to assess the situation and provide further aid.

The international community continues to rally around Afghanistan in its time of need, offering support and resources to help the nation rebuild and recover from this devastating disaster.

Emergency responders rush to locate survivors following Afghan earthquake, casualties surpass 1,400 lives