Commandos Airdropped Into Remote Afghan Region In Race To Rescue Earthquake Survivors

"Dozens Afghan commandos are being airdropped into a remote mountainous region along the eastern border with Pakistan to help in the race to rescue victims of an earthquake late last week that has claimed the lives of more than 1,400 people, according to Taliban authorities. The deadly 6.0 magnitude quake that struck the provinces of Kunar and Nangarhar late on August 31 also injured thousands as it flattened villages, leaving tens of thousands homeless. A 5.5-magnitude quake on September 2 added to the disaster as crews fought to reach the scene."

"Local residents told RFE/RL's Radio Azadi that they have no shelter and are living in the open, adding that urgent aid, including food, clean drinking water, and tents, are needed. Government officials said the commandos were deployed by air in areas where road access had been cutoff by the earthquakes, and that command centers have been set up to coordinate emergency and relief services."

"Amnesty International has put out a call for "urgent humanitarian aid," but the London-based rights organization also blasted the Taliban for making rescue operations more difficult. It also assailed Pakistan for its forced repatriation of nearly 2 million Afghan refugees, saying it exasperated the woes."

Dozens of Afghan commandos were airdropped into remote mountainous areas along the eastern border with Pakistan to speed rescue operations after a 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck Kunar and Nangarhar on August 31, killing more than 1,400 people. A 5.5-magnitude quake on September 2 worsened destruction, flattening villages and leaving tens of thousands homeless. Local residents report no shelter and urgent needs for food, clean water, and tents. Road access was cut off in many areas, prompting air deployments and the establishment of command centers to coordinate emergency and relief services. Humanitarian groups warn that lack of hygiene supplies, medical care, and female aid workers particularly endangers women and girls. Amnesty International called for urgent aid and criticized both obstacles to rescue operations and forced repatriations that exacerbated the crisis.

Read at RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty