After a magnitude six earthquake struck remote areas of eastern Afghanistan overnight reportedly killing hundreds and wiping out villages, UN chief UN António Guterres on Monday pledged to "spare no effort" in helping those affected.
"I stand in full solidarity with the people of Afghanistan after the devastating earthquake that hit the country earlier today," the Secretary-General said in an online message. "I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to those injured. The @UN team in Afghanistan is mobilized and will spare no effort to assist those in need in the affected areas."
On the ground, several UN agencies reported devastation across four eastern provinces of Afghanistan including Nangarhar and Kunar, where staff and humanitarian partners are already supporting relief efforts.
Trapped inside
Witnesses reported that the earthquake happened at around midnight local time, heightening fears that many Afghans may still be trapped in the rubble of their homes.
The tremor's epicentre was eight kilometres (six miles) underground, causing buildings to shake in the Afghan capital, Kabul, and in Pakistan's capital city, Islamabad, according to reports.
Among those providing assistance are the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) , the UN aid coordination office ( OCHA ) the UN World Health Organization (WHO) and many more.
"As reports of deaths and injuries from the #earthquake in eastern region of #Afghanistan continue to emerge, @WHOAfghanistan teams are on the ground in hospitals and health facilities, supporting the treatment of the wounded and assessing urgent health needs," the UN health agency said.
"We are actively delivering essential medicines and supplies and deploying health teams to affected areas to help #SaveLives ."
How the UN helps
United Nations teams are on the ground in more than 160 countries, working with the authorities and partners on joint programmes in communities to promote climate action, food security, gender equality and safety of civilians.
The UN has been present in Afghanistan since 1949 ; the global body's work there is driven by the Resident Coordinator, Indrika Ratwatte, as head of a country team which includes around 20 UN agencies and international organizations such as the World Bank and Asian Development Bank.
