Punjab: Afghan Sikhs send aid to earthquake victims, death toll crosses 1,400

Punjab: In a humanitarian initiative, the Sikh community in Afghanistan, in collaboration with the Afghan Sikh Community and Indian World Forum, has sent relief aid to the victims of the devastating earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan this week. The aid was sent from Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar in Jalalabad, a historic holy shrine visited by the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev during his travels. The initiative reflects the efforts of the Afghan community to assist their fellow Afghans, despite dwindling numbers and the prevailing security challenges. Photos from Jalalabad show Manjit Singh Lamba, Chairman of the Afghan Hindu and Sikh Minority Council, addressing the media along with members of the local Sikh community as a consignment of relief material is prepared for distribution.

Community leaders said the aid drive is a joint effort of Afghan Sikhs, their diaspora community and Indian organisations to ensure that the aid reaches those most affected by the disaster in a timely manner. The move comes as Afghanistan grapples with the aftermath of a powerful earthquake that killed more than 1,400 people and injured thousands, leaving local resources under a huge strain. The quake struck several provinces and caused massive damage. It razed villages and left people trapped under the rubble of houses that were mostly made of mud bricks and wood and could not withstand the tremor. The rugged terrain is hampering rescue and relief operations. “We cannot forget the people of Afghanistan who are facing multiple crises and shocks, and the resilience of communities has been weakened,” said Indrika Ratwatte, the UN Resident Coordinator for Afghanistan. She urged the international community to step in. “These are life and death decisions, while we are running out of time to reach people,” she said.