Record number of Afghan civilians killed in first half of 2018: UN
Kabul, July 15 : A total of 1,692 Afghan civilians were killed due to conflicts and terrorist attacks in the first half of this year, hitting a record high, a UN mission said on Sunday.
"Latest figures released today by the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) show continuing record high casualty rates being inflicted on the Afghan civilian population by the warring parties" Xinhua news agency quoted the mission as saying in a statement
"Covering the period from January 1 to June 30, findings include the killing of more civilians in the first six months of this year - 1,692 deaths - than at any comparable time over the last 10 years since records have been kept."
The UN mission started to monitor the situation of civilians and coordinate efforts to ensure their protection in 2009.
A total of 3,430 civilians were also injured during the period. Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) was the leading cause of civilian casualties.
"The combined use of suicide and non-suicide IEDs caused nearly half of all civilian casualties," the statement said.
Ground engagements were the second leading cause of civilian casualties, followed by targeted and deliberate killings, aerial operations and explosive remnants of war, according to the report.
The mission has attributed 67 per cent of the civilian casualties to the Taliban and other insurgent groups, 20 per cent to security forces over the period while the rest were unattributed or caused by other reasons.
The UNAMA also renewed its call to the conflicting parties to increase efforts to protect the civilian population and encouraged them to work towards reaching a peaceful settlement.
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Indian student dies after suffering severe injuries in house fire in US
New York (PTI): A 24-year-old Indian student in the US has died after suffering severe injuries in a house fire, according to the Indian mission here.
Sahaja Reddy Udumala was pursuing a Master’s degree in Albany, New York.
The Consulate General of India in New York said in a post on X on Friday (local time) that it is “deeply saddened by the untimely demise” of Udumala, who lost her life in the house fire incident in Albany.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences to her family during this difficult time,” the Consulate said, adding that it is in touch with Udumala’s family and is extending all possible assistance.
The Albany Police Department said in a statement that its personnel and the Albany Fire Department responded to the house fire on the morning of December 4.
When they arrived at the scene, officers and firefighters found the residence fully engulfed in flames and learned that several individuals were still inside the home.
They were able to locate four adult victims inside the residence, who were treated on scene by emergency medical personnel before being transported to a hospital, where they are being treated for serious injuries.
Two of the victims were later transferred to a medical burn centre for further treatment.
“Tragically, the adult female victim succumbed to her injuries she sustained in the fire,” the police department said.
It did not release the victim’s name pending notification of kin but the deceased has been identified as Udumala by her family.
A fundraiser has been launched by Udumala’s cousin Rathna Gopu to help cover funeral and memorial expenses, repatriation and transportation arrangements, immediate family support and additional expenses resulting from the tragic accident.
“…our family experienced an unimaginable tragedy when our beloved cousin, Sahaja Udumala, passed away following a devastating fire accident.
"Sahaja was just 24 years old, a bright and hardworking student pursuing her Master’s degree in Albany, NY, with a future full of dreams, hope, and promise,” Gopu said on the fundraiser.
Gopu added that Udumala sustained severe burn injuries affecting nearly 90 per cent of her body.
“She struggled immensely, fighting with all the strength she had. Despite all medical efforts, her condition continued to worsen, and she ultimately experienced complete organ failure, leading to her passing this morning,” Gopu said, adding that Udumala was known for her kindness, determination, and the warmth she shared with everyone around her.
“Losing her so suddenly has left our family devastated and facing unexpected emotional and financial hardships.”
So far, over USD 109,000 have been raised through donations out of the total amount of USD 120,000.
