ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) announced on Sunday it had arranged to send crucial relief items to Afghanistan following a 6.3-magnitude earthquake in the western city of Herat that resulted in over 2,400 fatalities.
Afghanistan, known for its mountainous topography, has a history of experiencing significant earthquakes, often originating from the seismically active Hindu Kush area bordering Pakistan. The Saturday earthquake ranked among the deadliest in recent years and was followed by aftershocks lasting several hours.
According to an NDMA statement, its top officials held a meeting with Pakistan’s envoy to Kabul, Ubaid Ur Rehman Nizamani, along with officials from other relevant departments to gain a better understanding of the crisis.
“The NDMA has arranged to dispatch relief items which include food, medications, tents and blankets,” the statement said. “In addition to these items, search and rescue teams have also been shortlisted and are ready to be dispatched [to the neighboring country].”
NDMA Chairman Lt. Gen. Inam Haider Malik directed authorities to expedite the relief process through the quickest available means.
He also sought streamlined facilitation and collaboration from all government units involved.
Pakistan’s envoy to Kabul also said on social media his country stood with “our Afghan brethren in these difficult times.”
The recent earthquake hit Afghanistan at a time when it is facing a huge financial crisis and the Taliban administration in Kabul is not even getting enough assistance from foreign donors due to their conservative policies.
The World Health Organization said Herat’s medical facilities, limited to one main regional hospital and several smaller health centers, were inadequately equipped to cope with the aftermath of the seismic event.
Pakistan is among a handful of countries that have retained their relations with Afghanistan since the Taliban took over in August 2021.
