Urgent Aid Required Following Powerful Earthquakes in Herat Province, Afghanistan
A recent earthquake of magnitude 6.3 struck Herat province in Afghanistan on October 11, 2023, worsening the situation following an earlier tremor on October 7 that resulted in over 1,000 deaths and extensive damage to housing. Thousands are now in urgent need of aid, and CARE has mobilized resources to provide critical medical assistance and essential supplies, focusing on the needs of the vulnerable population, particularly women and children.
On October 11, 2023, a significant earthquake of magnitude 6.3 struck the Herat province in western Afghanistan, compounding an already devastating crisis following the earthquake that occurred just four days earlier. This recent quake has resulted in thousands of residents facing urgent needs for aid and support. The initial tremor on October 7 affected over 12,000 individuals, led to the loss of more than 1,000 lives, and left countless others injured and displaced, with many homes destroyed and shelters now overcrowded. Reshma Azmi, the Deputy Country Director for CARE Afghanistan, remarked on the worsening situation: “The people of Herat have already endured significant hardships, and this subsequent earthquake has only further exacerbated their plight. We are actively mobilizing our resources and have deployed five mobile health clinics to provide critical medical assistance. We have prioritized the injured individuals and affected population, with a focus on women and girls.” Since October 8, CARE has been distributing essential supplies such as dignity kits, blankets, tarpaulins, ready meals, and clean water to approximately 2,500 affected individuals. Following the October 11 quake, the organization has emphasized the urgent need for medicine, as the regional hospital is now at full capacity. The crisis is aggravated by insufficient funding for the humanitarian response plan and the approaching cold temperatures, which pose further risks to those impacted. CARE has maintained an operational presence in Herat since 2020, staffed by 133 employees, all of whom are reported safe. The organization is adapting its health projects to focus incisively on aiding those affected by this natural disaster.
The Herat province of Afghanistan is currently grappling with a humanitarian crisis intensified by a series of earthquakes. On October 7, 2023, an earthquake resulted in significant casualties and damages, affecting thousands of residents. Just days later, a follow-up earthquake struck, exacerbating the dire situation. The region’s population faces an urgent and compounded need for medical assistance, shelter, food, and clean water as the humanitarian response undermined by funding shortages is further challenged by the onset of colder weather.
In conclusion, the recent earthquakes in Herat, Afghanistan, have led to a catastrophic humanitarian situation, necessitating immediate and comprehensive aid for the thousands affected. Organizations such as CARE are working diligently to provide essential support, though challenges remain due to funding limitations and increased demands for resources. The prompt response from humanitarian agencies is critical in addressing the pressing needs of the affected population, particularly in light of the impending cold conditions.
Original Source: www.care.org
