The 6.0 magnitude earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan late Sunday, claims over 1,400 lives and injuring more than 3,000, with the death toll expected to rise. The quake flattened villages, leaving countless trapped under collapsed mud-brick homes.

India swiftly responded, airlifting 21 tonnes of aid—blankets, tents, medical supplies, and more—to Kabul on Tuesday, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar pledging ongoing support. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed solidarity, affirming India’s commitment to humanitarian aid.

Rescue efforts face immense challenges due to rugged terrain and rockfalls, with Taliban commandos air-dropped to evacuate the injured. The United Nations has allocated $10 million for emergency response, while the UK, EU, UAE, and China have also pledged support.

However, reduced global aid and opposition to the Taliban’s policies, particularly on women’s rights, have strained resources, leaving survivors in desperate need as aftershocks continue to rattle the region.

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