The staff of the European Union is on the ground level in Afghanistan, where they are continuously monitoring the situation and the destruction caused by the 5.9 magnitudes of the earthquake.
The European Commission providing frequent updates, tweeted, “Today, the EU is allocating an initial disbursement to address the most immediate needs of Afghans. We stand ready to provide further assistance. The EU stands in full solidarity with the Afghan people and will provide assistance to those who have lost their loved ones, their homes and need aid”.
Nearly 2000 people have sustained injuries in Afghanistan; meanwhile, more than 1,000 lost their lives in the horrific earthquake.
High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the Vice-President of the Commission – Josep Borrell Fontelles, stated, “The earthquake comes at a time when the country continues to face one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises with large-scale humanitarian needs, displacement and a severe food crisis. Through the EU Humanitarian Office in the country, we are in constant contact with our humanitarian partners and offer all operational support necessary“.
To provide support, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has sent a shipment of 9.8 tonnes and 95 cubic meters of medical supplies to the earthquake-affected areas of Afghanistan. These include 30 emergency health kits, 50 surgical kits & other meds to treat the wounded at hospitals.
The team of WHO is also providing support to the local health care workers in Afghanistan to save lives & taking care of people affected by the earthquake. Meanwhile, the Emergency kits have also reached Paktika Prov Hospital for the immediate needs of those who sustained injuries.
While the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, stated, “My heart goes out to the people of Afghanistan following the devastating earthquake which has claimed hundreds of lives. The
UN is fully mobilized & our teams are on the ground, assessing needs & providing initial support”.