International
UNICEF: Over 500,000 people affected by Afghanistan earthquake, urgent aid needed
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has estimated that more than 500,000 people have been affected by the earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan on August 31, which left 2,205 dead and 3,640 injured, and has launched an urgent appeal for donations to cover immediate needs.
According to the UN agency, over half of those affected—263,000—are children, with 393 girls and 338 boys among the fatalities. Additionally, 271 children have been orphaned, and 81 unaccompanied minors remain hospitalized, raising fears that they may have lost their entire families.
The earthquake has destroyed or damaged over 6,700 homes across the provinces of Kunar, Nangarhar, and Laghman, and entire valleys have been cut off due to landslides, complicating rescue efforts.
Healthcare facilities have treated 2,854 trauma patients and performed 304 major surgeries. A fleet of 47 ambulanceshas been operating nonstop to transport patients to Jalalabad and Asadabad. UNICEF has delivered medical supplies including IV medications, antibiotics, and ready-to-use therapeutic food packs.
Child protection teams have identified 45 unaccompanied minors, of whom 34 have been reunited with their families, and nine safe spaces for children have been set up, serving nearly 1,000 children.
UNICEF highlights urgent needs for water and waste management, distributing 5,150 hygiene kits, 40,000 fuel containers, and installing 150 latrines, while continuing to send water tankers to the hardest-hit areas.
In Kunar, $150 cash assistance is being distributed to 5,000 households, and winter supplies are being provided to 25,000 families. The agency warns that malnutrition, already at crisis levels before the earthquake, has worsened in Kunar, Nangarhar, and Laghman, with rates expected to continue rising.
In light of the disaster, UNICEF has issued an appeal for $21.6 million to sustain relief efforts and meet the urgent needs of affected children and families.
International
Oil prices surge again as Middle East tensions persist
Oil prices climbed again on Friday for a second consecutive session, as markets remained concerned about a prolonged conflict in the Middle East with no tangible diplomatic progress.
North Sea Brent crude for May delivery rose 4.22% to close at $112.57 per barrel.
Meanwhile, U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) approached the $100 mark, settling at $99.64, up 5.46%.
The decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to delay by ten days his ultimatum for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz failed to reassure market participants.
“It means there will be ten additional days of disruptions in the Middle East for crude and refined product flows,” said Andy Lipow, of Lipow Oil Associates.
“For prices to come down, a resolution to the conflict is necessary,” Lipow added. “And even in the event of a ceasefire, it is not certain that Iran would allow oil shipments to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.”
International
Young Spanish Woman Receives Euthanasia After Legal Battle, Sparking Debate
A 25-year-old Spanish woman, Noelia Castillo, received euthanasia on Thursday following a prolonged legal dispute with her father.
She passed away at a care center in Sant Pere de Ribes, about 40 kilometers from Barcelona, where she had been living for some time, according to Spanish media reports.
In an interview broadcast a day earlier on Antena 3, Castillo expressed her exhaustion after enduring prolonged suffering. She indicated that her decision was influenced by a combination of personal circumstances and health-related challenges, including family conflicts and a condition of paraplegia following a previous incident that left her with lasting physical consequences.
Spain legalized euthanasia in 2021, becoming one of the few countries that allow patients under strict conditions to seek medical assistance to end their lives in order to avoid what the law defines as unbearable suffering.
The case has reignited debate in Spain over the ethical, legal, and family dimensions surrounding euthanasia, as well as the broader issue of support for individuals in vulnerable situations.
International
Over 300 U.S. Troops Wounded Since Start of Iran Conflict, CENTCOM Says
More than 300 U.S. service members have been injured since the start of the conflict with Iran on February 28, the United States Central Command confirmed on Friday.
“Since the beginning of Operation Epic Fury, approximately 303 U.S. service members have been wounded. The vast majority of these injuries are minor, and 273 troops have already returned to duty,” said U.S. Navy Captain Tim Hawkins.
A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity to AFP, indicated that 10 American troops remain seriously injured.
According to the latest figures, an additional 13 U.S. service members have been killed since the conflict began, including seven in the Gulf region and six in Iraq.
Meanwhile, Iran’s armed forces warned on Friday that hotels hosting U.S. troops in the region could be considered legitimate military targets.
“When U.S. forces enter a hotel, from our perspective that hotel becomes American,” said armed forces spokesperson Abolfazl Shekarchi in remarks broadcast on state television.
Oil prices surge again as Middle East tensions persist
Young Spanish Woman Receives Euthanasia After Legal Battle, Sparking Debate
Over 300 U.S. Troops Wounded Since Start of Iran Conflict, CENTCOM Says
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