KABUL, Afghanistan – The international community is rallying to support Afghanistan following a powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake that struck the country’s north, killing dozens, injuring hundreds, and destroying homes as harsh winter conditions set in.
The quake hit around 1:00 a.m. local time on Monday, with its epicenter in the Kholm district of Balkh province. The tremors were felt across a wide area, including the provinces of Kabul, Baghlan, Samangan, Sar-i-Pul, and Kunduz, sending panicked residents into the cold night.
Preliminary reports from local authorities and aid agencies paint a grim picture. At least 23 people are confirmed to have lost their lives in Balkh and Samangan provinces, with the death toll feared to rise as rescue teams reach remote villages. Approximately 700 people have been reported injured, and hundreds of homes have been partially or completely destroyed, leaving families exposed to the freezing temperatures.
A Crisis Compounded by Winter and Instability
The disaster poses a monumental challenge for Afghanistan’s de facto Taliban government, which has limited resources and faces significant hurdles in coordinating large-scale relief efforts. The situation is acutely felt by the most vulnerable.
“Our teams are on the ground, and the needs are immense,” said a representative from a local aid group. “People have lost everything in an instant. They need shelter, warm blankets, food, and medical care immediately. The winter makes this a race against time.”
The Group of Seven (G7) nations echoed this urgency in an official statement, expressing deep sorrow and calling for swift assistance. “The situation is worsened by harsh winter conditions, highlighting the urgent need for aid for the affected families,” the statement read, underscoring the compounded nature of the crisis.
International Response and Pledges of Support
A wave of condolences and pledges of assistance poured in from around the globe, signaling a coordinated international response.
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United Nations: UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed extended her condolences to the victims, affirming that UN agencies are working closely with local authorities to deliver urgent assistance. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has already dispatched mobile health teams to the affected areas, providing critical health kits with a special focus on supporting pregnant and breastfeeding women.
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China: Chinese Ambassador to Afghanistan, Zhao Xing, expressed “deep sorrow” over the earthquake and pledged his country’s continued support. “China will continue to provide strong support to Afghanistan during this difficult time and will provide assistance as needed,” Ambassador Zhao stated from Kabul.
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Middle Eastern Nations: Both Bahrain and Qatar issued official statements through their respective Ministries of Foreign Affairs. They extended sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery for the injured. Qatar specifically emphasized its “solidarity with Afghanistan” and commitment to the urgent provision of medical care.
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Broad Global Solidarity: The recent expressions of support join those from other nations and bodies, including Japan, Iran, Pakistan, and the European Union, which had earlier conveyed their condolences and confirmed their readiness to assist.
As night falls again over the earthquake-stricken regions, the focus remains on search-and-rescue operations and delivering life-saving aid. The collaboration between local responders, the de facto authorities, and international partners will be critical in the coming days to prevent a secondary catastrophe and help the people of Afghanistan begin the long process of recovery.
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