The UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres expressed sadness over the loss of life caused due to the earthquake that occurred in Herat province, according to his spokesman.
Over 2,400 people were killed, and more than 2,000 others were injured in the earthquake that also targeted many provinces in the neighborhood.
“The Secretary-General expresses his solidarity with the people of Afghanistan, extends his sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a swift recovery to those injured,” Guterres’ spokesman said in a statement.
“The United Nations and our partners in Afghanistan are coordinating with the de facto authorities to swiftly assess needs and provide emergency assistance.”
The UN World Food Programme (WFP) said that it has provided aid to 20,000 people.
“The aid-packages are sufficient for at least one month. It includes flour, oil, salt and yellow split peas. Its distribution will begin soon. Our plan is to provide food assistance or cash-aid to at least 70,000 people,” said Wahidullah Amani, a spokesman for WFP Afghanistan.
The earthquake in Herat sparked widespread reactions around the world.
Many world countries including the US, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iran and Pakistan voiced their sorrow over the tragedy and pledged to provide assistance to the victims.
“The head of the Red Crescent of Khorasan Razavi is settled in the area,” said Sardar Mohammad Yaqoob Ali Nazari, governor of Khorasan Razavi.
“The Mohammad bin Salman Foundation (MISK), has provided approximately 15,750 food aid packages,” said Abdul Latif Sabit, an official of the Afghanistan Red Crescent Society.
Saturday’s earthquake has damaged around 15 villages in Herat.
