UAE sends 105 tonnes of quake relief aid to Afghanistan

The UAE on Sunday sent three aircraft carrying more than 105 tonnes of food supplies to support those affected by the earthquakes that struck eastern Afghanistan and killed more than 2,000 people.

A joint operations team began efforts to ease the suffering of those affected immediately after landing in the country last Wednesday, coordinating with local authorities and health institutions to distribute the supplies and help strengthen the medical sector’s capacity to cope with the aftermath of the disaster.

The joint command also announced it has started preparations for an urgent humanitarian aid ship to be deployed as soon as possible.

A 6-magnitude earthquake hit Afghanistan's Kunar province on August 31, killing scores of people and leaving many trapped under rubble. The mountainous region has made rescue efforts difficult.

The International Rescue Committee said shelter, food, financial assistance, and medical support have been identified as the most urgent needs. 

Four days later, a 6.2 magnitude earthquake, and five aftershocks, struck the region, escalating the humanitarian emergency in Afghanistan.