The European Commission is allocating €1 million in humanitarian assistance in response to the devastating earthquake that struck southern Afghanistan early on June 22. This funding will be used to meet the most urgent needs of those impacted.
As its allies from the West withdrew from Afghanistan in August 2021, the Islamist group of Taliban, who now controls the country, has appealed for international assistance.
According to a statement released by the European Commission’s humanitarian aid division on Thursday, the EU assistance will be implemented by humanitarian organizations operating in the country, including non-governmental organizations and the United Nations.
Janez Lenarčič, European Commissioner for Crisis Management, said: “In Afghanistan, an already devastating humanitarian crisis has been now further aggravated by a deadly earthquake.”
“Our trusted humanitarian partners will deliver the aid to those most affected. The EU stands ready to provide further assistance,”, he added.
The European Commission, on June 23, also stated on its Twitter handle that it “stand[s] ready to provide further assistance.”
The high magnitude earthquake, the deadliest to hit Afghanistan in 20 years, has left more than 1,000 people dead and at least 1,500 injured. In the upcoming days, an additional increase in fatalities is anticipated.
