UN chief 'deeply saddened' over deadly earthquake in Afghanistan

By Merve Aydogan

HAMILTON, Canada (AA) - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep sorrow Monday over a deadly earthquake that struck Afghanistan over the weekend.

"The Secretary-General is deeply saddened by the devastating loss of life caused by Sunday's earthquake in Afghanistan's eastern Nangarhar Province," Guterres' spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

Noting that "initial reports indicate that more than 800 people have been killed and many more injured," the statement said: "Casualty figures are expected to rise as search and rescue teams reach affected communities located in remote and mountainous locations."

Guterres also expresses "his solidarity with the people of Afghanistan, extends sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured," said Dujarric.

Highlighting UN efforts, the statement said "an emergency appeal is being developed by the United Nations and our partners, and an initial $5 million from the UN's emergency fund CERF has been released."

"The United Nations in Afghanistan will spare no effort to assist people, but current humanitarian funding is insufficient to address the needs," it added.

Guterres further called for "additional humanitarian resources to urgently respond to the tragedy and crisis at hand."

The earthquake hit Afghanistan late Sunday, killing at least 800 people and injuring 2,500 others and causing great devastation in the eastern province of Kunar.

The death toll is likely to rise, as many people are feared trapped under the rubble, according to officials.