Houses destroyed by the earthquake in Paktika, Afghanistan on June 22, 2022 (photo: AFP/VNA)

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has called on countries to help hundreds of families hit by the earthquake.  The World Health Organization and a number of NGOs have sent mobile medicines, drugs, and medical equipment to Paktika and Khost provinces in eastern Afghanistan. The UN has delivered about 10 tons of medical equipment to the country.

UNICEF has deployed at least 12 medical teams to Giyan district, which was the worst hit locality, and a number of mobile clinics to Barmal district in Paktika and Spera district in Khost.

UN humanitarian staff said the Taliban administration has enhanced search and rescue for the victims, but unfavorable weather with heavy rains and strong winds have hampered their effort.

On Wednesday Iran sent two flights carrying aid to Afghanistan. The same day Pakistan’s Prime Minister Office sent consignment of relief goods, including blankets, tents, and medicines.

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that on Wednesday President Joe Biden ordered the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and other federal agencies to help those affected by an earthquake in eastern Afghanistan.