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As Afghanistan observes 'day of mourning,' UN continues aiding quake-hit areas

As Afghanistan observes 'day of mourning,' UN continues aiding quake-hit areas

Afghanistan observed a national day of mourning today for the victims of Monday's devastating earthquake as the United Nations continued rushing assistance to the affected areas.

This morning, UN relief workers distributed food rations to over 20,000 people in the earthquake zone, with another large shipment scheduled to arrive later in the day. The aid deliveries include wheat, oil, lentils, and sugar, as well as clothing, tents, blankets, candles and mattresses.

UN officials lauded the cooperation of the Afghan authorities, saying that urgent needs in the area have been met, mostly through in-country stocks.

"The acute phase of the earthquake response is winding down now as the UN and its partners begin tackling reconstruction needs," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters in New York. "Housing is the main problem, with an estimated 15,000 homes damaged or destroyed by the quake."

In designing the strategy for reconstruction, local expertise and capability will be sought, according to the latest situation report from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Current weather conditions are "likely to be conducive to house building," the report states.