Shaken but Not Alone: India Sends Hope to Devastating-Earthquake-Hit Afghanistan- 800 Killed

A Night of Terror in the Mountains

India Sends Hope to Devastating-Earthquake-Hit Afghanistan – Just before midnight on August 31, a powerful 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck southeastern Afghanistan, shaking the earth beneath thousands of sleeping families. The epicenter was near Jalalabad in Nangarhar province, but the worst devastation unfolded in neighbouring Kunar province. Entire villages, built with mud and stone, crumbled under the force of the quake. Homes collapsed, roads cracked, and landslides buried communities in silence.

More than 800 people lost their lives, and over 2,500 were injured, many of them children and elderly. Rescue teams rushed to the scene, but the mountainous terrain and blocked roads made it hard to reach those trapped under rubble. Helicopters and ambulances worked through the night, airlifting the wounded to hospitals in Jalalabad and Kabul.

The Afghan Health Ministry confirmed that districts like Nurgal, Siringal, and Shaman in Kunar were completely destroyed. In Nangarhar, villages like Darr-e-Nur also suffered heavy damage. With poor mobile coverage and remote locations, many areas are still unreachable, and the death toll may rise further.

India Steps In: Aid Delivered with Urgency

As Afghanistan mourns, India has stepped forward with compassion and urgency. On September 1, India delivered 1,000 family tents to Kabul to provide shelter to those who lost their homes. In addition, 15 tonnes of food aid were sent to Kunar province, one of the worst-hit regions.

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar spoke directly with Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, expressing condolences and solidarity. He assured that more relief materials will be dispatched starting tomorrow, including medical supplies, food, and emergency equipment.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also shared his grief, saying, “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to the earthquake in Afghanistan. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families in this difficult hour, and we wish a speedy recovery to the injured. India stands ready to provide all possible humanitarian aid and relief to those affected”.

This is not the first time India has extended a helping hand to Afghanistan. Despite political complexities, India has consistently prioritized humanitarian support, especially during natural disasters and public health emergencies.

Devastating-Earthquake-Hit Afghanistan – Rescue Efforts and Global Response

Rescue operations are ongoing, with Taliban soldiers, local volunteers, and international agencies working together to save lives. The Afghan Red Crescent Society has mobilized teams for aerial and field assessments. Medical teams from Kabul and nearby provinces have been deployed, and helicopters are evacuating the injured from remote valleys.

The United Nations has also activated its emergency response teams. Secretary-General António Guterres stated, “I stand in full solidarity with the people of Afghanistan after the devastating earthquake that hit the country earlier today. I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to those injured”.

However, the challenges remain steep. Landslides have blocked key roads, and many villages are accessible only by air. Hospitals are overwhelmed, especially in Kunar and Nangarhar, where doctors report admitting one patient every five minutes.

Humanity Beyond Borders

In moments like these, politics take a backseat and humanity leads the way. India’s swift response is not just about aid, it’s a message of friendship, empathy, and shared resilience. The tents and food packages are symbols of hope, reminding Afghans that they are not alone.

For India, this gesture also reflects its broader commitment to regional stability and humanitarian diplomacy. By standing with Afghanistan in its darkest hour, India reinforces its role as a responsible neighbour and global partner.

As more aid flows in and rescue teams continue their work, the road to recovery will be long. But with international support and local courage, Afghanistan will rise again.

Let us all wish a speedy recovery to the injured and strength to the families who have lost loved ones. India stands with Afghanistan in grief, in hope, and in rebuilding.

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