Massive Earthquake in Afghanistan, Pakistan Claims 180 Lives as Death Toll Expected to Climb
A massive 7.5 magnitude earthquake killed at least 180 early Monday when it hit parts of south Asia, primarily Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Although the death toll is expected to climb, initial reports indicate that 180 have died, primarily in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and nearby tribal areas, according to CNN.
The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, tweeted that he is seeking emergency aid for the recent natural disaster.
"I have asked for an urgent assessment and we stand ready for assistance where required, including Afghanistan & Pakistan," Modi said in a tweet.
Christos Stylianides, the European commissioner for humanitarian aid and crisis management, added in a tweet that the European Union stands ready to help with the crisis.
"My thoughts are with victims & families of the #earthquake in #Afghanistan & #Pakistan Closely following the situation. #EU ready 2 help," Stylianides said via social media on Monday.
Earlier this year, the country of Nepal was struck by a large 7.8 magnitude earthquake that resulted in 9,000 deaths and 23,000 injuries.
Six months after the Nepal disaster, the United Nations has expressed concerned for those who will be without shelter come the winter months.
"With the winter on the way, we must ensure adequate shelter and food security, particularly for more than 80,000 families," Jamie McGoldrick, UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Nepal, said in a recent statement to The Kathmandu Post.
"The Humanitarian Country Team is looking forward to the establishment of the National Reconstruction Authority," McGoldrick continued. "Once it becomes operational, we anticipate that we will start to see the rapid expansion of reconstruction across the earthquake-affected areas."
