Global Response to Afghan Earthquake: Nations Unite for Aid

The international response to the catastrophic earthquake in Afghanistan's eastern provinces has been swift and comprehensive, according to Tolo News. Nations such as Russia, China, Japan, Turkmenistan, and Bangladesh have stepped up, offering both cash and non-cash aid to assist the victims.

Efforts have been diverse; Russia dispatched 20 tons of food, Japan contributed 7 tons of essential non-food items, and the European Union sent 130 tons of aid. Moreover, China provided a direct cash aid of 200,000 USD to Kabul. Dmitry Zhirnov, Russia's ambassador in Kabul, emphasized that these contributions are specifically for those affected by the earthquake that struck days ago.

Russia's Ministry of Emergency Situations, under orders from the President, utilized an Ilyushin-76 aircraft for the delivery of significant food supplies, including flour and sunflower oil. The aid distribution, as confirmed by Nooruddin Turabi of Afghanistan's National Disaster Management Authority, will be supervised by committees to maintain transparency.

China's embassy in Kabul also facilitated a handover of 200,000 USD from the Red Cross Society of China to assist earthquake victims. An additional promise of 50 million yuan (over USD 7 million) further underscores China's support. Japan's ambassador in Kabul delivered supportive non-food items, ensuring 250 families receive necessary aid.

The National Centre for Seismology reported multiple earthquakes, including a significant one at magnitude 5.0, near Kabul. The cumulative devastation has resulted in a death toll exceeding 2,200, as per a Taliban government spokesperson's report, quoted by Al Jazeera.