Iran at forefront of helping quake-hit Afghans: Envoy

Tehran, IRNA – Iranian consular general in Mazar-i-Sharif said that Iran has so far sent five consignments of food and basic items and has dispatched rescue teams to Paktia and Khost provinces. According to Afghan media, Hassan Yahyavi said that Iran has dispatched some rescue teams to the quake-stricken areas. He was quoted as saying that Iranian hospitals were on alert and the country is ready to send more aid to Afghanistan. The diplomat also pointed to the Iranian Red Crescent Society’s measure with regard to the announcement of a banking account. Afghanistan received the fourth consignment of humanitarian aid from the Islamic Republic of Iran on Saturday. According to the latest news, at least 2500 people were killed and more than 2000 others were wounded in the 6.1 magnitude earthquake quake that struck the eastern provinces of Khost and Paktika. The quake struck about 44 km (27 miles) from the city of Khost in southeastern Afghanistan and was at a depth of 51km (31 miles). Follow us on Twitter @IrnaEnglish