New Delhi: India has extended urgent humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan following a series of powerful earthquakes that devastated the eastern region, killing more than 800 people and injuring at least 2,800. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced the aid on Monday, sharing images on X of trucks carrying sacks of rice and other essential supplies, underscoring India’s commitment to support Afghanistan during this humanitarian crisis.

According to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), the initial earthquake measured 6.3 on the Richter scale and was followed by multiple aftershocks with magnitudes ranging between 4 and 5. The tremors were felt across Afghanistan and neighboring Pakistan.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) reported that the quake struck Afghanistan’s Nangarhar Province near the Pakistan border, with the epicenter in Kama district. Preliminary reports indicate that at least 800 people have died across four provinces — Kunar, Laghman, Nangarhar, and Nuristan — affecting nearly 12,000 people.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed condolences and confirmed that India has already dispatched relief materials. “Spoke with Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi today. Conveyed our condolences at the loss of lives in the earthquake. India has delivered 1,000 family tents in Kabul today. Additionally, 15 tonnes of food material are being moved from Kabul to Kunar by our mission. More relief material will be sent from India starting tomorrow,” Jaishankar posted on X.

As per Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, at least 812 people have been confirmed dead and 2,817 injured. India has assured continued assistance and solidarity with Afghanistan in this challenging time.