UK supports Afghanistan following earthquakes

Following the earthquakes that have disrupted and unsettled Afghanistan, Britain set out emergency financial aid for those who have been affected, according to Al-Monitor via Reuters, on September 1st.

Britain aims to ensure that this funding will be channelled through its partners to avoid it being received by Afghanistan’s current Taliban administration.

Afghanistan experienced one of its worst earthquakes on August 31st. NBC News reported on September 2nd, citing Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, that over 5,400 homes were destroyed, 1,411 people were killed and more than 3,124 people suffered from injuries. 

The 6.0-magnitude tremor was followed by a minimum of five aftershocks, and was so strong that the US Geological Survey has said that over 1.2 million individuals are likely to have felt strong or highly strong shaking. The epicentre of the earthquake was 27 kilometres northeast of the city of Jalalabad. 

Funding for Afghanistan has reduced due to US aid cuts, making it difficult for the country to respond to the crisis. This slashing of foreign aid occurred since the Taliban’s resurgence. The cuts have led to a quarter of Afghanistan’s population experiencing critical food insecurity.

Britain will be sending £1 million pounds ($1.35 million) in aid to Afghanistan. This amount will be split between the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the International Red Cross (IFRC). The financial aid will deliver essential healthcare and emergency provisions to Afghans in the regions that are the most affected, according to a government statement.

British Foreign Minister David Lammy has said that “the UK remains committed to the people of Afghanistan.” He added: “[T]his emergency funding will help our partners to deliver critical healthcare and emergency supplies to the most hard-hit.”  

Al-Monitor via Reuters, NBC News, Maghrebi.org