Britain has committed £1 million in emergency aid to assist people in Afghanistan after a powerful earthquake left families in mourning and communities in ruins. The funds will be channeled through international partners to ensure that critical healthcare and supplies reach those most in need, as the UK aims to prevent the funding from falling into the hands of the Taliban administration.
Authorities reported that Sunday’s disaster, one of Afghanistan’s most severe earthquakes, has killed more than a thousand people and injured at least 3,251, with rescue operations still underway. The country’s response to the crisis has been hampered by a reduction in funding for Afghanistan, largely due to US aid cuts. According to a government statement, Britain’s £1 million ($1.35 million) in assistance will be split between the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the International Red Cross (IFRC) to deliver essential healthcare and emergency supplies to Afghans in the most affected regions.
“The UK remains committed to the people of Afghanistan, and this emergency funding will help our partners deliver critical healthcare and emergency supplies to the most hard-hit,” said British foreign minister David Lammy in the statement.
