Afghanistan: Massive earthquake hits the country, over 1000 people dead

people after earthquake
Afghanistan hit by a massive earthquake with magnitude of 5.9. photo credit: CNN

On Wednesday, Afghanistan was hit by a massive earthquake with a magnitude of 5.9 on the country’s eastern side. This tragedy has killed more than 1000 people and left many more injured, reported The Indian Express.

According to The Indian Express, the earthquake struck about 50 kms from the city, shook 4 districts of Paktika province. At least 2000 houses destroyed in the earthquake. Reportedly, the houses are mostly build with wood and mud.

The Taliban Government has allocated 1 billion Afghanis to help people affected by the earthquake. Moreover, the Ministry of state for natural disaster management announced compensation. 100’00 Afghanis for the person dead and 50’000 Afghanis to the injured as per the orders of prime minister.

European Mediterranean Seismological Centre

According to EMSC, a massive earthquake with a magnitude of 5.9 struck the central Afghanistan on 21 June at 20:54:36 UTC. The depth of this earthquake is 10km.

According to European seismological agency, the authorities had launched a rescue operation. Food and medical aid is being sent to the affected areas through helicopters.  Apparently, the earthquake’s tremors were felt over 500 kilometres by 119 million people across Afghanistan, Pakistan and India.

Prime Minister’s Emergency Meeting

The Prime minister Mohammad Hassan called for an emergency meeting at the presidential palace. The deputy minister of state disaster management spoke after the meeting. He said, there is a need for help from other countries when such big disasters happen in any country.

Bilal Karimi a deputy spokesperson from Taliban government said, ‘We urge all aid agencies to send the teams to the affected area immediately to prevent further damage’.

Afghanistan after Taliban Undertake

The hunger, poverty and health system stumbled in the country after the Taliban took over.  The U.S led international forces withdrew after two decades of war with them. Furthermore, this natural disaster added a new challenge to the rulers and relief agencies of Taliban.

Support From Nations over the Earthquake

  1. Supplies from Pakistan

Pakistan government extended their support by supplying relief supplies to the neighbour country. According to the ‘dawn’ a Pakistan news agency,  shelter supplies and medicines will reach Khost via Ghulam Khan border soon.

  1. India ready to assist the Country

PM MODI: India is ready to provide all the assistance and support at the earliest, stated in his twitter.

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