When Disaster Management Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian expressed that the aid was insufficient, Modi responded with laughter and reiterated the ₹1,600 crore figure. Mundian countered, stating he understood Hindi but the funds were inadequate. This exchange was viewed as indicative of the central government’s dismissive attitude towards Punjab’s crisis. The incident drew strong reactions, with AAP’s Punjab State President and Cabinet Minister Aman Arora labeling the aid a cruel joke, especially considering the estimated losses exceeding ₹20,000 crores. Arora also highlighted the Centre’s alleged withholding of ₹60,000 crore in funds, demanding immediate release. He criticized the Prime Minister’s visit as a public relations exercise.

Water Resources Minister Barinder Goyal termed the relief package a “big joke,” while Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema noted the belated announcement after 30 days and deemed the aid as insignificant. Even BJP leader Ravneet Bittu acknowledged the insensitivity of Modi’s remark regarding the Punjabi language, although he later attempted to clarify his statement. The AAP government has reiterated its call for a comprehensive relief package to address the extensive damage and for the immediate disbursement of the withheld funds. The AAP government asserted its commitment to supporting flood-affected families, boosting farmers’ morale, and upholding the pride of Punjab, regardless of the central government’s actions.

This follows a devastating earthquake on Sunday, August 31st, which ravaged mountainous villages and led to the recovery of hundreds more bodies, bringing the death toll to over 2,200. The initial 6.0 magnitude quake triggered the collapse of homes and buried residents under rubble. The majority of casualties occurred in Kunar province, where residents typically reside in wooden and mud-brick houses along river valleys.

An assessment released by the Islamic Relief charity on Thursday indicated that approximately 98% of the buildings in the province were either damaged or destroyed. Aid agencies have emphasized the critical need for personnel and supplies to care for the survivors in the affected regions. One resident, Muhammad Israel, reported that the earthquake caused landslides, destroying his home, livestock, and belongings in Kunar. He described the harrowing experience of barely managing to extract his children from the area, noting that aftershocks continue, making it impossible to remain there.

On Thursday evening, a 5.6 magnitude earthquake struck Jalalabad in Nangarhar province, located south of the hardest-hit Kunar province. Fortunately, no immediate casualties or damage were reported. Israelis, who are residing in a UN medical camp in Nurghal, one of the most affected districts in Kunar, stated that the conditions are dire, with a lack of shelter and the need to live in the open. The initial estimates of the death toll were around 1,400 people. Taliban spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat announced on Thursday that the death toll had risen to 2,205, with search and rescue operations still ongoing. Fitrat added that tents have been provided for people and that primary medical and emergency supplies are being distributed. Difficult terrain is hindering relief efforts. Taliban officials have deployed helicopters to assist survivors and transported army commandos via air.

Aid workers have reported that they are forced to walk for hours to reach villages that have been cut off due to landslides and rockfalls. A reduction in funding is also impacting relief efforts. The Norwegian Refugee Council stated that they have fewer than 450 staff in Afghanistan, compared to 1,100 staff in 2023 during the last major earthquake. The council has only one warehouse remaining and no emergency stock. Maysam Shafi, the council’s communications and advocacy advisor in Afghanistan, said that they would need to purchase supplies after receiving funding, which could take weeks, while people need them immediately. Shafi also mentioned that they have only $100,000 available for emergency response efforts, resulting in an immediate funding gap of $1.9 million.

Dr. Shamshair Khan, who is caring for the injured at the UN camp in Nurghal, noted that the sight of others’ suffering has worsened their condition. He stated that there is a lack of adequate medication and services, with people requiring more medicine and tents. They need food and clean water. These people are suffering greatly. The Qatari Minister of State for International Cooperation, Mariam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, arrived in Kabul on Wednesday to oversee the delivery of aid to the earthquake victims.

She is the first female minister to visit Afghanistan on a humanitarian mission since the Taliban came to power in 2021, and also the first high-ranking foreign official to visit after the earthquake. Aid organizations are describing this latest disaster as a crisis within a crisis. Afghanistan was already struggling with drought, a weakened economy, and the recent return of almost 2 million Afghans from neighboring countries.

Kunar province has been hit the hardest by the earthquake. Sadiqullah, a resident, recounted that a loud explosion woke him up. He managed to save three children, but the roof of their house collapsed, preventing him from reaching the rest of his family. He was trapped in the debris for four hours. His wife and two sons died, and his father was injured.

Another resident of Kunar, Mohammadi, described a night filled with fear and anxiety, anticipating aftershocks. He emphasized the urgent need for ambulances, doctors, and comprehensive aid to rescue survivors and recover the deceased. At the Nangarhar hospital, Yama Bariz reported that many patients are still in shock. The hospital has admitted 460 victims, but is struggling with a severe shortage of resources.

Villagers have taken shelter on the upper floors of a submerged school. Sixteen other surrounding panchayats have also been inundated by the Ganga’s waters. There is only one boat available for entering and exiting the village, which hundreds of people are using in turns. The people are pleading for help from the government, but so far, no assistance has been received.