The U.S. Sends Urgent Aid for Earthquake Victims in Afghanistan

The U.S. Agency for International Development is sending $12 million in immediate humanitarian aid for the victims of the recent deadly earthquakes in western Afghanistan. According to Voice of America, the agency stated in a press release published on Thursday, the 20th, that this funding will support the activities of its partners to assist earthquake-affected Afghans and will be used to provide essential needs including emergency shelter kits, cooking supplies, water tanks, blankets, solar lamps, clothing, and other household items. The Taliban government and the United Nations report that since the first 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck Herat and surrounding areas last Saturday, over a thousand people, mostly women and children, have died, and many more have been injured. Tom West, the U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan, shared details of U.S. assistance in a post on the social media platform 'X', stating, 'We mourn the victims of these earthquakes and stand firmly with the people of Afghanistan as they navigate through these crises.' The U.S. is the largest provider of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, having provided nearly $2 billion in humanitarian assistance to Afghans since the Taliban came to power in the summer of 2021 and the withdrawal of U.S.-led international forces from the country. Meanwhile, the Afghan Red Crescent reported on Friday that due to a 'severe storm' that began the previous night, all humanitarian services in the earthquake-affected areas of Herat have been halted. According to this group, parts of a camp set up to assist earthquake victims were damaged by the storm, and several refugees and Red Crescent staff were injured. Taliban officials state that neighboring countries, including China, Iran, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, have previously sent immediate relief aid and committed to providing cash assistance for relief efforts. However, the Taliban have refused to accept aid from Pakistan, their long-time supporter, due to what they describe as an 'irresponsible' post on social media by the leadership of the neighboring country. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) requested $20 million on Thursday to support children affected by the deadly earthquakes in Afghanistan. According to this organization, over 90% of the victims are women and children.