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European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations
News article23 June 2022Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO)

Afghanistan: EU mobilises €1 million in humanitarian assistance following devastating earthquake

Afghanistan earthquake
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In response to the powerful earthquake that struck southern Afghanistan early morning of 22 June, the European Commission is allocating €1 million in humanitarian funding to address the most urgent needs of affected Afghans.

Janez Lenarčič, Commissioner for Crisis Management, said: “In Afghanistan, an already devastating humanitarian crisis has been now further aggravated by a deadly earthquake. With EU field staff on the ground still assessing the extent of the destruction, first reports indicate that more than 1,000 Afghans have lost their lives and an even greater number has been injured. An estimated 270,000 people living in the affected areas will require emergency assistance. In response, the EU is mobilising an initial €1 million in emergency support. Our trusted humanitarian partners will deliver the aid to those most affected in an already extremely fragile country. The EU stands ready to provide further assistance.”

To ensure a quick intervention in areas that are remote and difficult to access, EU humanitarian funding will be implemented by humanitarian partners who are already active in the country, including non-governmental organisations and the United Nations.

The funding will address the most immediate needs of Afghans, such as the provision of medical assistance, water, sanitation and hygiene services, shelter, and protection services for the most affected and disadvantaged communities.

Background

On 22 June, a 5.9-magnitude and 10-kilometres deep earthquake hit the southern parts of Afghanistan, with particular devastating impact in Paktika and Khost provinces, killing more than 1,000 people and injuring more than 1,500.

Strong shakes have destroyed buildings and homes, severely damaged hospitals and schools and disrupted water networks, roads and bridges.

The earthquake strikes an already extremely fragile country, marked by decades of conflict, recurrent droughts, and a sharp economic decline due to recent political developments since the Taliban take-over of power in August 2021.

The EU's emergency Copernicus satellite service has been activated in the aftermath of the earthquake. It is currently providing satellite images maps of the area to support the first responders on the ground.

The EU's 24/7 Emergency Response Coordination Centre is constantly assessing the situation to monitor developments and coordinate eventual further EU assistance.