Afghanistan’s earthquake killed more than 1,000 people and injured more than 1,500

More than 1,000 people were killed in Afghanistan after a powerful earthquake According to media reports, it hit the country on Wednesday. A severe earthquake struck early this morning near the city of Khost in the southeastern part of the country.

The most affected areas are the Spera district of Khostika and the Balmara, Zirk, Naka and Gayan districts of Paktika.

“We have more than 1,000 dead and more than 1,500 injured. Many villages have been destroyed,” Amin Huzaifa, head of the Cultural Information Department in Paktika, told Sputnik.

Mawlawi Huzifa, director of the Paktika Department of Information and Culture, told TOLOnews that the quake struck around 1:30 am last night.

He said many of the victims came from the Giyan district of the state. Helicopters and rescue teams have arrived in the area, according to local authorities.

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Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said an emergency ministerial meeting was held today to discuss assistance for those affected by the earthquake.

“In addition to helping those affected by the earthquake, all relevant organizations were tasked with sending rescue teams,” he said.

Former Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation, Abdullah Abdullah, expressed his condolences to those affected by the earthquake.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the epicenter was 44 km from the city of Khost and the magnitude was 6.1. Search and rescue operations are underway and are being led by de facto authorities.

The disaster struck as Afghanistan suffered a serious economic crisis since the Taliban took over, with the withdrawal of US-led international troops after 20 years of war.

UN agencies have said that Afghanistan has called on humanitarian agencies to assist in rescue operations and that the team has been dispatched to areas affected by the earthquake.

“The United Nations and a team of humanitarian nations in Afghanistan express their deep sympathy for all those affected by the disaster. We will publish a flash update later today for more details on the situation and response,” the United Nations said. The Humanitarian Affairs Coordination Office said. (UNOCHA) said in a tweet.

The United Nations and humanitarian partners are urged to assist de facto disaster management authorities in assessing and responding to urgent needs.

“Inter-ministerial evaluation teams are already located in many affected areas,” he added.

Dr. Ramiz Arakbarov, Special Representative of the Secretary-General of Afghanistan, said the United Nations evaluated and responded to needs in the aftermath of last night’s earthquake.

“@OCHAAfg and @unafghanistan are assessing and responding to their needs in the aftermath of last night’s earthquake, which claimed the lives of hundreds of people. Condolences to the deceased’s family, the response is on the way,” Alakbarov said. I tweeted.

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