Increase in casualties from the Balkh and Samangan earthquake; world countries’ response and assistance.
Following the 6.3-magnitude earthquake in Balkh and Samangan provinces last night, the number of victims has reached more than 27 dead and 730 injured.
The incident occurred at around 12:59 and left extensive damage. The Taliban’s Foreign Ministry announced that India is sending 15 tons of food and medical aid to the earthquake victims and that this shipment will soon reach the affected areas.
The Indian Foreign Minister, in a phone call with Amir Khan Muttaqi, expressed his condolences and confirmed the sending of this aid.
A number of countries and international organizations have also reacted to the incident and expressed their sympathy for the victims.
The Iranian Embassy in Kabul, in a statement, expressed its regret and wished mercy for the victims and a speedy recovery for the injured.
The Japanese ambassador to Kabul also expressed his sympathy and said that Japan is ready to cooperate in helping the victims.
Italy also expressed its solidarity with the people of Afghanistan by issuing a message of condolences.
Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan, while expressing his sympathy to the families of the victims, called for immediate humanitarian action to support the victims.
He emphasized that assistance should be based on human rights principles and take into account gender issues so that the needs of all vulnerable groups are properly addressed.
