UK sets out support for Afghanistan earthquake victims

Britain set out emergency funding support for those affected by the recent earthquakes in Afghanistan, saying it would ensure that the aid does not go to the South Asian country’s current Taliban administration by channeling it through its partners.

Sunday’s disaster - one of Afghanistan’s worst earthquakes - has killed more than 800 people and injured at least 2,800, authorities said on Monday, as rescue operations continued. The country’s response to the crisis has been hampered by the shrinking of funding for Afghanistan, led by US aid cuts.

For all the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.

Britain’s 1-million-pound ($1.35-million) assistance will be split between the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the International Red Cross (IFRC) to deliver critical healthcare and emergency supplies to Afghans in the most affected regions, the government statement said.

“The UK remains committed to the people of Afghanistan, and this emergency funding will help our partners to deliver critical healthcare and emergency supplies to the most hard-hit,” British foreign minister David Lammy said in the statement.

($1 = 0.7402 pounds)

Read more:

No family left untouched by earthquake in Afghan village

Afghanistan earthquake kills more than 800, rescue efforts underway

Two dead as strong earthquake jolts Afghanistan