New Delhi, Nov 05: Earthquakes have been frequent in Afghanistan in recent months. Earthquakes have caused immense loss of life and property.
A 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan on Monday evening, killing 20 people and injuring over 500. More than 800 houses were razed to the ground in Badakhshan.
The earthquake that struck early Monday morning destroyed dozens of houses and shops. Large hills have collapsed. This has completely blocked roads. There is severe disruption to traffic. In the Badakhshan region, more than 800 houses have been completely destroyed by the earthquake.
People are homeless, road traffic is blocked, hampering rescue operations. This is the second earthquake to hit Afghanistan since India provided humanitarian assistance in September. India has assured assistance to the earthquake-hit Afghanistan. India has sent emergency relief supplies to northern Afghanistan after the earthquake.
After the earthquake, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke to Afghanistan's acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaki and expressed his condolences and continued support.
Indian relief supplies are being handed over to the earthquake victims. More medicines will be sent soon, Jaishankar said in a post on social media.
Photographs shared by the Ministry of External Affairs showed Indian aid being delivered in Kabul, as India is preparing to respond quickly to the humanitarian crises in Afghanistan, despite not having formal diplomatic recognition of the Taliban regime.
India has sent 15 tonnes of food supplies, and additional consignments of essential medicines and food items are expected to arrive soon. Afghan officials said the main goal is to provide more relief to communities hit hardest by the earthquake, especially in Samangan province.