Domestic and international aid for earthquake victims in Eastern Afghanistan

KABUL: Following the devastating earthquake in the eastern provinces of Afghanistan, several domestic and international organizations have allocated financial and humanitarian aid to support the affected individuals. Merwais Azizi, the owner of Azizi Bank, announced a relief package worth 500 million Afghani for the victims. Teams from the Azizi Foundation will soon be dispatched to the earthquake-affected areas to assess urgent needs and begin the distribution of aid. Meanwhile, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs reported that India has provided 1,000 tents and 15 tons of food supplies to the earthquake victims in Kunar. S. Jaishankar, the Indian Foreign Minister, expressed condolences to the victims and stated that further aid will begin to be dispatched starting tomorrow. He also conveyed his sympathies during a phone call with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban Foreign Minister, emphasizing that “India stands with Afghanistan during this difficult time.” Additionally, the Zalmai Foundation in Pakistan has allocated 10 million Pakistani rupees to support the earthquake victims. Javed Afridi, the head of the foundation, expressed his condolences, stating: “Many families have been torn apart, and our loved ones are suffering. Our prayers are with our Afghan brothers and sisters during this challenging time.” Furthermore, the Taliban announced that they have set aside 100 million Afghani for assistance to the victims. Sharafat Zaman, spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Health, mentioned that this amount is intended to expedite the delivery of aid to the earthquake-affected regions.