India's Lifeline to Afghanistan: Earthquake Relief Amid Regional Challenges

India has stepped up with crucial food assistance for Afghan families impacted by the devastating earthquake. The 6.3 magnitude quake struck northern provinces, causing significant casualties and infrastructure damage. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar personally conveyed condolences to his Afghan counterpart while discussing bilateral relations. Rescue operations continue amid challenging conditions in remote mountainous regions where many homes were destroyed.

Key Points: India Delivers Food Aid to Afghanistan Earthquake Victims

  • India delivers emergency food supplies to earthquake-affected families in northern Afghanistan
  • Earthquake of magnitude 6.3 killed over 20 people and injured hundreds
  • EAM Jaishankar spoke with Afghan counterpart to convey condolences and discuss bilateral ties
  • Relief efforts face challenges due to blocked roads and damaged infrastructure in remote areas
2 min read

India delivers food items to earthquake-impacted families in Afghanistan

India provides emergency food supplies to Afghan families affected by 6.3 magnitude earthquake that killed 20+ people across northern provinces.

"Reaffirming its support to the Afghan people, India delivers food items for the families affected by the earthquake - Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal"

Kabul/New Delhi, Nov 3

India on Monday delivered food items to the families affected in Afghanistan due to the earthquake that struck Balkh, Samangan and Baghlan provinces.

"Reaffirming its support to the Afghan people, India delivers food items for the families affected by the earthquake," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X.

India's assistance comes after more than 20 people were killed and hundreds of others were injured after an earthquake of magnitude 6.3 struck areas of northern Afghanistan.

Earlier in the day, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar spoke to his Afghanistan counterpart Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi to convey condolences at the loss of lives in the earthquake. He stated that Indian relief material will be handed over to the earthquake-impacted people and further supplies will reach there soon.

Following their talks, EAM Jaishankar in a post on X wrote, "Called FM Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi of Afghanistan this afternoon to convey condolences at the loss of lives in the earthquake that struck Balkh, Samangan and Baghlan provinces. Indian relief material for the earthquake impacted communities is being handed over today. Further supplies of medicines to reach soon."

"Discussed progress in our bilateral relationship since his visit. Welcomed the improving people-to-people contacts between India and Afghanistan. Appreciated the exchange of views on the regional situation," he added.

With the epicentre being in Khulm district of Balkh province, the earthquake shook several northern regions of Afghanistan, including Samangan and Badakhshan, and was felt in Kabul, Afghanistan's leading news agency Khaama Press reported.

At least 10 people were killed and 260 others were injured in Samangan province while four people died and more than 100 others were injured in Balkh, according to Afghanistan's Ministry of Public Health.

According to local officials in Badakhshan, several people were injured and more than 800 homes were damaged or destroyed, especially in remote mountainous regions where it is difficult to carry out rescue efforts due to blocked roads and poor communication, Khaama Press reported.

Officials have warned that the total death toll from the latest earthquakes across northern Afghanistan has reached 20 while more than 400 others were injured, with fears that numbers could increase as search operations continue.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good initiative by our government. Natural disasters don't recognize borders, and humanity should come first. Hope the supplies reach the affected families quickly, especially in those remote mountainous areas where access is difficult.
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Ananya R
While I appreciate the humanitarian gesture, I hope we're also focusing on our own disaster preparedness. Many Indian states are earthquake-prone too. Let's learn from such incidents and strengthen our own systems simultaneously.
S
Sarah B
India's consistent humanitarian approach in the region is commendable. This builds trust and goodwill that goes beyond politics. The mention of improving people-to-people contacts is particularly encouraging for long-term peace.
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Vikram M
Heartbreaking to read about the casualties and destroyed homes. Glad India is stepping up with immediate relief. The medicines mentioned will be crucial too - hope they reach the injured quickly. 🙏
M
Michael C
This is the kind of soft power diplomacy that truly matters. When people are suffering, extending a helping hand creates bonds that last generations. Well done, India!

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