The United Kingdom has pledged £1 million in emergency relief for Afghanistan after a powerful earthquake left more than 800 people dead and at least 2,800 injured.
The funds will be delivered through the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to provide essential medical supplies and support for affected communities.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the aid is designed to reach people in urgent need while ensuring it does not pass through the Taliban administration.
“The UK remains committed to supporting the Afghan people. This emergency funding will help our partners deliver critical healthcare and supplies to those most in need,” Lammy said in a statement.
Worsening humanitarian crisis
The earthquake, which struck on Sunday, is among the deadliest Afghanistan has faced in recent decades. Rescue efforts are underway, but shortages of resources and cuts to international assistance are slowing operations.
Afghanistan’s humanitarian situation has already grown dire over the past two years, particularly after sharp reductions in foreign aid led by the United States. The latest disaster has placed even greater strain on the country’s fragile healthcare and relief systems.
