Global sympathy and aid pledges pour in after deadly Afghanistan earthquake

Countries around the world have expressed condolences and pledged support to Afghanistan after a powerful earthquake struck the eastern provinces of Kunar and Nangarhar, leaving more than 800 people dead and thousands injured.

The U.S. State Department’s Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs said Washington was “deeply saddened by the casualties and damages caused by the quake” and reaffirmed its solidarity with the Afghan people. Germany’s Foreign Ministry described the tragedy as “heartbreaking,” while Switzerland conveyed sympathy and pledged to deliver emergency aid to those affected.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, also expressed condolences and announced that humanitarian supplies and rescue teams would be dispatched to assist survivors in the disaster-hit areas.

Pope Leo XIV also expressed his sorrow following the disaster. In a message of condolence, sent on behalf of the pope by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, the message read that the pope was “deeply saddened by the significant loss of life caused by the earthquake in the area of eastern Afghanistan” and offered prayers “for the souls of the deceased, for the injured and for those still missing.”

“Entrusting all affected by this disaster to the providence of the Almighty, he expresses his heartfelt solidarity in particular with those who mourn the loss of loved ones and with the emergency personnel and civil authorities involved in rescue and recovery efforts,” Cardinal Parolin wrote.

The 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck Kunar province on Sunday, flattening entire villages and damaging homes and infrastructure across the region. Rescuers are still struggling to reach remote mountain communities cut off by landslides, raising fears that the death toll could rise further.

The quake has once again highlighted Afghanistan’s vulnerability to natural disasters, with many rural families now left homeless and in urgent need of shelter, food, and medical assistance.