Afghanistan hit by 6 back-to-back earthquakes in 24 hours
What's the story
Afghanistan's Hindukush region was rocked by a series of earthquakes on Friday. The National Center for Seismology (NCS) recorded three back-to-back quakes with magnitudes of 4.9, 5.2, and 4.6 near the border with Pakistan. This brings the total number of earthquakes to six within a 24-hour period, following two quakes on Thursday night measuring magnitudes of 5.8 and 4.1 respectively. Before the two quakes, a powerful earthquake of magnitude 6.2 struck southeastern Afghanistan, according to German Research Centre for Geosciences.
Crisis deepens
Earthquakes worsen humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan
The quakes take place as authorities are still determining the exact number of deaths from the 6.0-magnitude earthquake that struck the country this week. According to a Taliban government spokesperson, rescuers have discovered hundreds of remains from hilly terrain in southern Afghanistan, bringing the total number of deaths to more than 2,200. Taliban spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat on Thursday said that the updated death toll was 2,205.
Aid response
WFP mobilizes emergency supplies to affected areas
In light of the recent earthquakes, international aid is being mobilized to help those affected. The World Food Programme (WFP) has sent emergency supplies to Kunar and Nangarhar provinces, where the quakes have caused widespread destruction. Initial consignments include food supplies and high-energy biscuits, with more flights scheduled for additional aid delivery.
Indian aid
India sends relief materials to Kabul
India has also joined the global effort to provide relief to Afghanistan. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced on X that 21 tons of relief materials were airlifted to Kabul. The consignment included blankets, tents, hygiene kits, water storage tanks and generators, among other essential supplies. The United Nations has warned that the death toll could rise as more people remain buried under rubble, particularly in Kunar's worst-hit areas.