KABUL - International Organization for Migration (IOM) distributed vital relief supplies across northern, central and eastern Afghanistan this week, helping families affected by a 7.5 magnitude earthquake that struck on 26 October.

Assessment conducted by government, IOM, UN and other NGOs shows an estimated 8,300 families in 14 Afghan provinces were affected by the earthquake. More than 100 people lost lives and around 500 others sustained injuries.

According to a report published by IOM on Saturday, the toll could rise further as remote communities are accessed by assessment teams.

The report further states that the organization distributed relief items to approximately 1,000 families in Badakhshan, Nangarhar, Kunar, Laghman and Takhar provinces, and distributions are ongoing for additional assessed families in these provinces.

“With the majority of assessments completed, getting aid to families in need is our priority,” said IOM Afghanistan Chief of Mission Richard Danziger.

Assessments have been completed in 98 districts out of the 117 estimated to have been affected. To date, roughly 17,000 families have been verified.

Access in some of the affected areas remains a challenge due to difficult terrain and security concerns and IOM is coordinating with local partners to ensure that aid reaches affected communities.

Nangarhar, Kunar and Nooristan, are the other provinces hard-hit by the earthquake besides Badakhshan, the epicenter of it. (KP)