KABUL (Pajhwok): The death toll from the devastating earthquake in eastern Afghanistan has reached 812, with more than 2,800 people injured. The government has formed a special committee to coordinate the response and allocated 100 million afghanis for immediate relief.
The earthquake struck around midnight and measured 6.0 on the Richter scale, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Zabihullah Mujahid, chief spokesman for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), told reporters in Kabul on Monday that in Kunar province’s Nurgal district (Mazar Dara), Chawkay, Watapur, Manogi, Chapa Dara and surrounding areas, 800 people have died and 2,500 were injured.
In Nangarhar’s Dara-i-Noor district, 12 people were killed and 255 injured. Laghman’s Alingar district reported 58 injuries and Nuristan’s Nurgram district reported four injuries. In Panjshir’s Abshar district, five houses were destroyed, but no casualties were reported. Mujahid said the Prime Minister has formed a special committee led by the Minister of Rural Rehabilitation and Development, Mullah Mohammad Yunus Akhundzada, with representatives from various ministries and agencies. “For urgent relief, the respected Prime Minister has allocated 100 million afghanis, which are being used now. Additional funds will be provided if needed,” he added.
Since Sunday night, the Ministries of Interior, Defense and Public Health, along with provincial governors, disaster response departments, the Red Crescent and other officials, have taken measures to evacuate the deceased, transfer the injured, and deliver essential food, medical supplies, and other necessities. Forty flights have been conducted from Nangarhar’s airport alone.
Mujahid, in response to the destruction of houses caused by this earthquake, said: “In Kunar province, many houses have been destroyed – meaning several villages have been destroyed. Mazar Dara, which we mentioned, the entire village has been destroyed. Exact figures regarding the houses have not yet arrived; of course, details will be published later. For now, we have only shared with you the numbers of the martyrs and the wounded.” Mujahid urged all charitable organizations, traders, and ordinary Afghans to support earthquake-affected communities.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday condoled the losses of life and property after a strong earthquake jolted the eastern provinces of Afghanistan and parts of Pakistan.”Deeply saddened by the devastating earthquake in eastern Afghanistan, which shook Kabul and was also felt in various parts of Pakistan, including Islamabad,” the prime minister wrote on his X timeline, who was currently in China to attend the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
He sympathised with the victims and their families as hundreds of deaths and the destruction of villages had been reported there. “On behalf of the people and Government of Pakistan, I extend my heartfelt condolences and prayers to the bereaved families,” the prime minister said and expressed solidarity with the Afghan people in this hour of grief, offering all possible support in this regard.
