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

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