The United Arab Emirates has launched a large-scale humanitarian mission to assist survivors of the devastating earthquakes that struck Afghanistan earlier this week, leaving thousands dead and injured.
According to Afghan authorities, at least 2,205 people have been killed and more than 3,600 injured following two powerful tremors that shook the country.
The first earthquake, measuring magnitude 6, struck shortly before midnight on Sunday, flattening villages in the eastern provinces of Nangarhar and Kunar.
Its shallow depth of 10 kilometers intensified the damage, making it one of Afghanistan’s deadliest quakes in recent years. A second quake, measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale, struck on Tuesday.
It triggered fresh landslides and hampered rescue operations, cutting off access to remote villages where survivors were awaiting help. The double blow has worsened an already dire humanitarian situation in a nation struggling with poverty, conflict, and dwindling international aid.
To meet the urgent needs of those affected, the UAE swiftly extended a humanitarian bridge through its Emirates International Aid Agency and the Emirates Red Crescent.
A team of Emirati relief workers arrived in Afghanistan on Wednesday to begin immediate assistance, following directives from UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
So far, the team has delivered 31 trucks loaded with essential aid, including food supplies, medical equipment, and emergency shelter tents. The consignments have been distributed across affected communities in Kunar province, where many families have been left homeless and vulnerable.
Emirati officials emphasized that the relief mission reflects the UAE’s longstanding commitment to extending support to people in crisis worldwide.
“Our operations are designed to provide immediate relief and alleviate suffering in the aftermath of natural disasters,” an Emirates Red Crescent spokesperson said.
Eyewitness accounts from survivors highlight the urgency of the situation. Villagers described homes reduced to rubble and entire families displaced, with many relying solely on humanitarian assistance to survive.
With roads blocked by landslides and communication lines down, aid delivery has been a formidable challenge.
The UAE’s intervention comes at a critical time as international organizations warn of mounting risks for survivors, including food insecurity, disease outbreaks, and exposure to harsh weather. Aid agencies have underscored the need for continued global support to ensure long-term recovery and reconstruction in Afghanistan.
For the UAE, the mission is part of a broader strategy of rapid response to crises worldwide. In recent years, the Emirates has dispatched humanitarian aid to communities affected by wars, famine, and natural disasters, reinforcing its reputation as a key global donor.
As the Afghan people grapple with the aftermath of the disaster, the UAE’s relief efforts provide both immediate assistance and a message of solidarity, offering hope to thousands struggling to rebuild their lives after one of the deadliest earthquakes in recent memory.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members