Deadly Earthquake: Condolences, Aid Pledges Continue

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Canada and Switzerland have extended condolences and pledged assistance following a deadly earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan.

The Secretary General of the Muslim World League, as well as Uzbekistan and the Czech Republic, also issued messages of sympathy.

The quake, which struck shortly after midnight on Sunday, was recorded at a magnitude of 6.0 on the Richter scale by the United States Geological Survey.

On Monday, Zabihullah Mujahid, chief spokesman for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), confirmed that the death toll from the devastating earthquake had risen to 812, with more than 2,800 people injured.

OIC Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha expressed sympathy with the affected families, stating that the organisation stood ready to provide support during these difficult times. He instructed the OIC office in Afghanistan to coordinate with local authorities and work closely with humanitarian agencies and partners to ensure aid reached those in need.

Separately, the Secretary General of the Muslim World League, Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, expressed sorrow on his social media page over the heavy loss of life and injuries caused by the powerful quake.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also wrote on X:“The aftermath of the earthquake in Afghanistan is horrific. Hundreds of lives lost, families displaced, and communities facing unimaginable hardship. As the Afghan people recover and rebuild, Canada stands ready to provide humanitarian support through our partners.”

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev likewise extended condolences to the victims and wished the injured a swift recovery.

The Czech Republic's Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed its sympathies on X, writing:“We express our deepest condolences to all those affected by the devastating earthquake in Afghanistan's Kunar and Nangarhar provinces. The Czech Republic stands in solidarity with the people of Afghanistan.”

Switzerland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also posted on X, expressing solidarity with the victims of the quake in eastern Afghanistan and noted that humanitarian assistance was being delivered through its office in Kabul.

Previously, the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Qatar, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Turkey, India, Pakistan and Iran had also offered condolences to the victims of the disaster.

In addition to expressing grief, the United Nations and the European Union announced that their teams had been dispatched to the region to provide emergency relief.

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