WFP Launches Emergency Aid for Quake Victims in Afghanistan

DID Press: World Food Programme (WFP) began emergency operations to assist victims of the 6.0-magnitude earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan on Sunday night. The quake, affecting Nangarhar and Kunar provinces, has so far claimed over 800 lives, injured 2,500 people, and completely destroyed dozens of villages.

The first shipments of high-energy biscuits have been sent to border areas with Pakistan, and mobile storage units have been deployed in the earthquake-affected regions, WFP reported.

In addition, UN Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS), managed by WFP, is ready to conduct additional flights to transport aid and move personnel to Jalalabad, the nearest urban center to the earthquake’s epicenter.

Harald Manhart, WFP’s Deputy Country Director in Afghanistan, described the situation as “catastrophic,” noting that aid teams are working around the clock to deliver food and essential supplies.

Widespread destruction of homes, damaged roads, and landslides have made access to some mountainous areas extremely difficult, with certain communities reachable only by foot over five hours, he added.

The earthquake struck amid multiple ongoing crises in Afghanistan, including widespread malnutrition, severe drought, declining international aid, and the forced return of refugees.

WFP officials warned that budget cuts had already left millions without food support, and the recent earthquake has significantly worsened the humanitarian situation.

Meanwhile, Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Taliban caretaker government, said that local forces and rescue teams are working to save the injured, and additional teams from neighboring provinces have been deployed to the affected areas. He emphasized that all available resources will be mobilized to save lives.