UN prepares to assist earthquake victims in Kunar

KABUL: The United Nations expressed its condolences on Monday, for the earthquake victims in eastern Afghanistan. The UN in Afghanistan has announced that its teams are mobilized for emergency relief and rescue operations. UN Secretary-General António Guterres also shared his sympathy with the people of Afghanistan on X (formerly Twitter), offering condolences to the families of the victims and wishing a swift recovery for the injured. Preliminary reports indicate that over 800 people have lost their lives due to the earthquakes, with approximately 2,500 others injured. Given the extent of the destruction and access challenges to remote areas, the death toll may rise. Guterres stated that UN teams in Afghanistan are gathered and will make every effort to provide assistance to those in need in the affected areas. The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that its teams are mobilized to assess the medical needs and urgent requirements for treating the injured at local health centers. They have also indicated that medicines and essential supplies are being dispatched to the affected areas. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that it is working with its partners to deliver aid to the impacted families effectively. Additionally, Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights, has expressed his solidarity with the victims.