India has rushed emergency relief supplies to Afghanistan in the wake of a devastating earthquake that has killed more than 800 people and left over 2,000 injured. The 6.0 magnitude quake struck late Sunday night in eastern Afghanistan, with Kunar province at the epicentre, triggering landslides and flattening entire villages.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed that he spoke with Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to express condolences and assure continued support. “Spoke with Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi today. Expressed our condolences at the loss of lives in the earthquake,” Jaishankar wrote on social media.
India has already delivered 1,000 family tents to Kabul and dispatched 15 tonnes of food supplies to Kunar. Jaishankar said further consignments of relief materials will be sent starting Tuesday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed sorrow over the tragedy, writing: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families in this difficult hour. India stands ready to extend all possible humanitarian assistance to those affected.”
According to Taliban officials, while Kunar bore the brunt of the destruction, at least nine additional deaths were reported from Nangarhar province, with injuries also recorded in Laghman and Nuristan. Casualties are expected to rise further as rescue teams reach remote and mountainous areas.
Rescue efforts are being hampered by blocked roads and landslides, leaving many communities cut off. Entire villages in Kunar’s Mazar Valley were reportedly buried under rubble. Immediate needs include medical assistance, shelter, food, clean water, heavy machinery for debris clearance, and field hospitals.
Teams from Afghanistan’s public health ministry have been deployed with ambulances, doctors, and essential supplies, while helicopters are airlifting the injured from inaccessible regions.
India has reiterated that it will stand by Afghanistan in this moment of crisis and continue to provide humanitarian aid.
