BBC Breakfast presenter Jon Kay opened Tuesday's programme with what he described as 'devastating' news, reporting on the earthquake in Afghanistan that has left 800 people dead. Alongside co-host Sally Nugent, Kay highlighted the UK's pledge of £1 million in emergency funding to support relief efforts.
During the broadcast, the presenters spoke with Jeremy Smith from the British Red Cross, who provided further details on the ground. Smith explained that access remains the biggest barrier, with teams forced to travel on foot to reach affected areas. 'People are scared, there have been significant aftershocks,' he said.
Smith noted that search and rescue operations are still using basic tools due to a lack of heavy equipment. The Red Cross has deployed five health teams, but he acknowledged that this is 'just a fraction of what is needed.' Many residents are refusing to return to their homes, and the situation remains 'very dire and very critical.'
The earthquake struck at midnight local time, collapsing houses while people were sleeping. Smith added that the region had experienced torrential storms just a week before the quake, compounding the challenges faced by survivors and aid workers.
