The number of victims required by the Sunday earthquake with magnitude 6.0 in the east of Afghanistan has increased again on Tuesday. Referring to the government representative, AP reported 900 dead and approximately 3,000 injured. According to Afghan Red Crescent, the number of victims has increased to at least 1124 and more than 3,000 people suffered injuries. TASR writes about this based on the AP and Reuters report.
Rescuers at work hindered by mountain terrain and inclement weather
“The injured are evacuated, so these numbers can change significantly,” said the AP spokesman for the Afghan National Crisis Management. “The earthquake has caused landslides in some areas that blocked roads, but these have been open again and the remaining roads will be reopened to allow access to areas that were difficult to access,” the spokesman added.
On Tuesday, rescuers were still trying to get into isolated villages and mountain areas in the province of Kunar, where the earthquake epicenter was located. During their work, they were prevented by mountain terrain and bad weather.
In the area were deployed soldiers of the Taliban government movement who provided assistance to the affected people and ensured security. Afghan Red Crescent added that the earthquake destroyed more than 8,000 houses.
Thousands of Afghan children are at risk
The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) warned on Tuesday that thousands of Afghan children were at risk and confirmed that it sent help to the country. “Our reaction focuses on addressing urgent needs in the field of health, safe water, hygiene, nutrition, protection of children, temporary shelter and psychosocial support to ensure that children and families receive life saving assistance as quickly as possible,” said UNICEF representative in Afghanistan.
The earthquake, according to the US Geological Office (USGS), hit on Sunday at 23.47 local time (21.17 CEST). The World Health Organization (WHO) said that a natural disaster has suffered more than 12,000 people. According to Reuters, this is one of the worst earthquakes in the country.
