EU delivers humanitarian aid to quake survivors

KABUL (Pajhwok): The European Union (EU) has delivered 92 tonnes of essential supplies for the earthquake-hit people in western Herat province.

“Following the series of earthquakes that hit western Afghanistan earlier this month, an EU Humanitarian Air Bridge to Herat has landed today, bringing 92 tonnes of essential supplies to help the affected population,” EU said on Monday.

Of the total cargo, the EU has donated 57 tonnes from its own stocks in Dubai, consisting of blankets and winterisation kits for tents. Another 20 tonnes of medicines were transported for the World Health Organization and 15 tonnes of food were delivered for the World Food Programme.

Two more flights are planned to follow shortly from Brindisi and Dubai to Herat and Kabul. They will be gathering in-kind contributions from Ireland, Italy and EU Humanitarian Partners’ relief items. France is also reinforcing the transport and warehousing capacity of the aid.

Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, said: “In the aftermath of the recent series of earthquakes in Afghanistan, the EU stands resolute in extending our assistance and support to the Afghan people in need.

“Together, we are uniting to provide swift, concrete and effective aid, embodying our solidarity and commitment to helping those affected rebuild their lives.”

After the first earthquake hit Afghanistan on 7 October, the EU approved a humanitarian aid package, which included €2.5 million in funding for humanitarian partners on the ground, as well as the offering of in-kind assistance from its own EHRC stocks.

Together with the planned flights, total EU support in response to the earthquake amounts to €4.5 million.

Japan contributes $1m with WFP for emergency food assistance in Herat

Meanwhile, WFP welcomed $1 million aid from Japan to provide emergency food assistance in earthquake-affected Herat.

WFP hoped the vital aid would help support nearly 33,000 quake survivors. "Japan has been a steadfast supporter of the Afghan people and stands in solidarity with them also after these devastating earthquakes,” said the Japanese ambassador.

Takatoshi Kuromiya added: “We understand the gravity of the situation in Herat Province and are fully committed to extending our hand of support to help rebuild lives and communities.”

WFP dispatched food to the affected areas within hours of the initial earthquake and as of 17 October, WFP had reached nearly 70,000 people with emergency food assistance.

This includes fortified wheat flour, vegetable oil, pulses and salt as well as specialized nutritious foods to boost the nutrition condition and prevent malnutrition in children of the families that have lost everything and are living in tents next to the rubble of their homes.

Based on initial assessments, WFP plans to support 118,000 people with emergency food assistance and longer-term resilience programmes that will help the communities rebuild their livelihoods.

The latest contribution from Japan comes on top of $ 17.4 million already received earlier this year for WFP’s emergency response, nutrition services and the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service, managed by WFP.

sa/mud