Afghanistan deployed commandos by air on Wednesday to rescue survivors still trapped under rubble in earthquake-hit areas, as the UN World Food Programme (WFP) warned that food supplies could run out within weeks without urgent funding.
Helicopters dropped dozens of commandos in areas inaccessible by land, where they helped carry the injured to safety. Aid agencies described the mission as a race against time.
WFP chief in Afghanistan, John Aylieff, told Reuters the agency only had enough funds and food stocks to last four weeks. “That is nowhere near enough to meet even basic needs, let alone help families rebuild their lives,” he said.
Afghanistan’s rescue capacity is severely limited due to years of war, poverty, and declining international aid. The Taliban administration said 1,457 people were confirmed dead, 3,394 injured, and more than 6,700 homes destroyed.
The first quake, magnitude 6, struck Kunar and Nangarhar provinces just past midnight Sunday. A second 5.5 quake on Tuesday triggered landslides and disrupted rescue operations.
Authorities set up coordination camps and medical centres to handle injuries, burials, and relief supplies.
