New Delhi: India has dispatched emergency humanitarian aid to Afghanistan after a powerful earthquake struck the country, killing more than 800 people and injuring nearly 2,800. The 6.3 magnitude quake hit Nangarhar Province on Monday, with tremors also felt in Pakistan. Aftershocks measuring between 4 and 5 followed, worsening the damage across eastern Afghanistan.
According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the disaster has impacted at least 12,000 people in the provinces of Kunar, Laghman, Nangarhar and Nuristan. The epicenter was located in the Kama district near the Pakistan border. Afghan authorities reported at least 812 deaths and over 2,800 injuries.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that immediate relief supplies, including 1,000 family tents and 15 tonnes of food items, were delivered to affected areas. Trucks carrying rice and other essentials were sent to support families in urgent need. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said he had spoken to Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi to express condolences and assure further assistance.
“India stands by Afghanistan at this difficult time,” Jaishankar said, adding that more relief material will be dispatched.
The aid comes as rescue operations continue in remote districts, where damaged infrastructure is slowing relief efforts. International agencies are assessing long-term needs, warning that the number of casualties could rise as more areas become accessible.
The tragedy highlights Afghanistan’s fragile humanitarian situation, where limited resources and ongoing challenges make disaster response especially difficult.
