A magnitude 5.9 earthquake in eastern Afghanistan has killed more than 1,000 people so far.
It seems that many houses have collapsed and are trapped in the area, and there are concerns about the further spread of damage.
A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck in the host state of eastern Afghanistan before 6 am on the 22nd of Japan time.
Officials in Pactica, next to the host state, told NHK that 1,000 people have died and 1,500 have been injured so far, and at least 30 host state officials have died. , More than 100 people have been injured.
A person in charge of UNAMA = United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said at a press conference, "It seems that nearly 2000 houses have collapsed. There are at least 7 to 8 families in Afghanistan, and multiple families live together. There is also, "he said, expressing concern about the further spread of damage.
In this area, there are many houses piled up with hiboshi bricks, and since the earthquake occurred before 2 am local time, it seems that many people are trapped under the collapsed houses and rescued. Search activities are being carried out by the squad.
After the quake, Leader of the Islamist Taliban, Akhnzada, issued a statement calling on the international community to help those affected by the quake.
In Afghanistan, a magnitude 7.5 earthquake in the north in 2015 killed 300 people, including neighboring Pakistan.
In the footage shot on the 22nd in Paktika, where many people were killed, you can see cracks in the walls, partially collapsed houses and debris scattered around them.
In addition, when a helicopter that seems to have come to the rescue arrives, it is also seen that residents and others are trying to bring in injured people in cooperation.
United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction "Difficult to access is a problem"
Regarding rescue operations for the earthquake that occurred in eastern Afghanistan, a person in charge of the UN UNDRR (UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction) mentioned that the epicenter of this earthquake occurred in a remote area near the border with Pakistan. Difficult access to the community will be one of the biggest challenges in humanitarian activities because it is not well maintained, "he said, explaining that even reaching the site is not easy.
The United Nations reported on the 22nd that heavy rains and strong winds on the scene also hindered the landing of rescue helicopters. The danger increases, especially after heavy rains, and the weather forecast for the area is heavy rains, "he said, pointing out the potential for secondary disasters such as landslides.
UN Secretary-General "It's time for solidarity with the cooperation of the international community."
UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a statement following the earthquake in eastern Afghanistan, saying, "I'm saddened to hear that the earthquake has tragically lost many lives. Years of conflict, financial hardship, We are sympathetic to the people of Afghanistan who are recovering from the effects of hunger, "he said in condolences to the victims and their families.
"The UN team stationed in Afghanistan is already providing support locally, but we are seeking the cooperation of the international community to support the hundreds of households affected by this disaster. Now is the time for solidarity. ", And called for support for Afghanistan.
Policy to consider American humanitarian assistance
"The United States is deeply saddened by the devastating earthquake that killed at least 1,000 people," the White House Chief of Staff, White House Chief of Staff, said in a statement yesterday. The president has instructed relevant agencies to keep an eye on the situation and consider what kind of assistance can be provided, "he said, stating that he would consider humanitarian assistance to the affected areas.