Afghanistan Earthquake: India ready to provide humanitarian aid to those hit, says PM Modi

Responding to Sunday night’s magnitude 6.0 earthquake in Afghanistan that killed at least 800 people, India has launched disaster relief and assistance. The Indian mission in Kabul is sending truck loads of relief materials to the disaster-hit region of Kunar.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives in Afghanistan and said that India will provide “all possible humanitarian aid” to Afghanistan to deal with the humanitarian challenge that is being faced by the Afghans.

“Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to the earthquake in Afghanistan. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families in this difficult hour, and we wish a speedy recovery to the injured. India stands ready to provide all possible humanitarian aid and relief to those affected,” said Mr. Modi in a message.

Earlier, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke with the ‘Foreign Minister’ of Taliban administration in Kabul Amir Khan Muttaqi and conveyed that in a quick response, India has started sending trucks with relief material to the earthquake-hit region.

“Conveyed that India has delivered 1000 family tents today in Kabul. 15 tonnes of food material is also being immediately moved by Indian Mission from Kabul to Kunar. Further relief material will be sent from India starting tomorrow. Wish early recovery of those injured. India stands by Afghanistan at this difficult time,”

The earthquake that jolted eastern Afghanistan’s mountainous Kunar region and parts of northern Pakistan has left survivors in rubble requiring urgent assistance. India has not given de facto recognition with the Taliban administration though it maintains working relation with the administration in Kabul that came to power as the U.S. forces withdrew from Afghanistan in August 2021. India has been offering humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan frequently through the port of Chabahar in Iran.