New Delhi: India on Monday sent relief materials to Afghanistan to help the victims of a disastrous earthquake, killing more than 800 people, even Foreign Minister Kayashankar spoke to Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Mutki and pledged to assess more.
In eastern Afghanistan, 6 earthquakes occurred before midnight local time, causing widespread destruction in Kunar province, which was in the epicenter. The Taliban said that more than 800 people were killed and 2,000 were injured, the entire villages were destroyed and the landslides destroyed the roads.
Jaishankar said on social media, “Today Afghan spoke with External Affairs Minister Mavalii Amir Khan Mottaki. He expressed our condolences on the loss of life in the earthquake.”
Jaishankar said that India has given 1,000 family tents in Kabul and the Indian mission has sent 15 tonnes of food items to Kunar. “Further relief materials will be sent from India to start from tomorrow [Tuesday]Happy recovery of those injured. India stands by Afghanistan in this difficult time, ”he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of life and said in a social media post: “Our thoughts and prayers are with bereaved families in this difficult hour, and we wish for a quick recovery for the injured. India is ready to provide all possible humanitarian aid and provide relief to the affected people.”
Taliban officials said that 800 people died in Kunar province and more than 2,000 injuries were reported, one and nine died of Nangarhar province. There were also reports of people injured in Nangar, Lagman and Nuristan provinces.
Taliban officials said that rescue teams are expected to reach remote areas. Rescuers were facing difficulties in reaching remote valleys and immediate requirements included medical aid, rescue equipment, shelter, food and heavy machinery for clean water, field hospitals and debris, he said.
The earthquake caused the most destruction in Chawke, Nargal, Shigal and Manogai districts of Kunar province. The entire villages in the Mazar Valley of Kunar were allegedly buried under landslides. Nangarhar, Lagman and Nuristan provinces also suffered serious damage.
Rescue teams of the Ministry of Public Health were deployed with ambulances, medical staff and supply in affected areas. The helicopters were airlifting the injured from inaccessible areas.
