Search and rescue operations are still ongoing, with rapid multi-sectoral assessment teams being dispatched to the affected regions.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and its leadership extend their deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and wish a swift recovery to those injured in the earthquake.
During this challenging period, the UN in Afghanistan remains steadfast in supporting the Afghan people.
Also read: Afghanistan forms commission to aid Herat earthquake victims
In collaboration with health authorities, the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office in Kabul and the WHO Field Office in Herat have swiftly mobilized resources to provide immediate life-saving assistance to the affected population.
WHO and Health Cluster partners are currently on-site, evaluating health needs, and offering emergency support.
This includes assessing health facilities, deploying health teams, and delivering health emergency and surgical kits, medical supplies, and equipment.
Fran Equiza, UNICEF Representative in Afghanistan, expressed heartfelt condolences to families mourning the loss of their loved ones and pledged to work diligently with partners to provide swift relief to those affected.
UNICEF teams are actively conducting additional assessments, and the injured are receiving treatment in nearby health facilities, with emergency medications supplied by UNICEF and its partners.
UNICEF is also supplying emergency tents to relieve overburdened health clinics.
UNICEF has dispatched a substantial aid package, including hygiene kits, family kits, winter clothes set, blankets, tarpaulins, and essential household items. These provisions complement the support provided by other UN agencies and partners.
UNICEF Afghanistan Chief of Communication and Advocacy, Dan Timme, affirmed that UNICEF will transport clean water to earthquake-affected communities and continue providing humanitarian assistance wherever it is most needed.
UNICEF stands in solidarity with the people of Afghanistan during these challenging times.
Dujarric emphasized, “We are collaborating closely with the de facto authorities to promptly evaluate the requirements and deliver urgent aid.”
On Sunday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed unity and appealed to the global community to “unite and provide assistance to the Afghan people affected by the earthquake, a population that was already facing hardships prior to this crisis.”
UN agencies and their collaborators are actively increasing their emergency response operations and dispatching additional teams to augment the ongoing humanitarian endeavors, as stated by Stéphane Dujarric, the spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General.
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