Uzbekistan has announced its readiness to provide assistance to Afghanistan. This was reported by Upl.uz.
More than a thousand people died as a result of a strong earthquake that occurred in the eastern provinces of the country. While reports of the terrible consequences of the natural disaster were spreading, official Tashkent expressed deep condolences to the Afghan people.
On the evening of September 2, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was the first to send words of condolence and support to the leadership of Afghanistan, the families of the deceased, and the victims. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan also confirmed its intention to assist the neighboring country.
In an official statement, Minister Bahrom Saidov expressed sympathy to the Afghan people and emphasized their readiness to provide friendly assistance during this difficult time. According to him, "We sympathize with the brotherly people of Afghanistan and are ready to help with all our capabilities to overcome the consequences of this tragic natural disaster."
The earthquake occurred on the night of August 31 to September 1, with a magnitude of 6.0. The epicenter was located in a mountainous area, particularly in the provinces of Nangarhar, Kunar, and Laghman.
Subsequent aftershocks worsened the situation and caused additional destruction. According to the latest information, the death toll has exceeded 1,411, and more than 3,100 people have been injured.
More than 5,400 houses were destroyed. Rescue operations are complicated by the difficult terrain of the mountainous area and landslides caused by aftershocks.
Humanitarian organizations and local authorities are trying to reach the most affected villages, but access to these areas has become difficult. The reduction of international aid in recent years has also placed additional burdens on local resources.
The earthquake occurred in the Hindu Kush mountain range. This region is one of the most seismically active zones in the world, resulting from the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates.
For this reason, earthquakes are frequent natural events in Afghanistan and neighboring countries and, unfortunately, often lead to destruction.
