Urgent Response Needed as Powerful Earthquake Strikes Herat Province

A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck Herat province, Afghanistan, on October 11, 2023, just days after a previous quake devastated the region. CARE Afghanistan is responding by providing medical assistance and essential supplies to thousands of affected residents, prioritizing urgent needs as winter approaches.

On October 11, 2023, a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.3 struck near Herat, the capital of Herat province in western Afghanistan, compounding the already dire situation for thousands of residents. This disaster occurred just four days after a previous earthquake on October 7 that had already left over 12,000 people affected and caused more than 1,000 fatalities, alongside numerous injuries. The latest quake has resulted in extensive destruction of homes, necessitating the relocation of many individuals to makeshift shelters. In response to this humanitarian crisis, CARE Afghanistan is taking urgent action. “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 5 mobile health clinics to provide critical medical assistance. We have prioritized the injured individuals and affected population, with a focus on women and girls,” stated Reshma Azmi, the Deputy Country Director of CARE Afghanistan. Since the initial earthquake, CARE has been distributing essential supplies to those affected, having provided items such as dignity kits, blankets, tarpaulins, ready meals, and water to approximately 2,500 individuals. In light of the recent earthquake, there is an urgent need for medical supplies, as the regional hospital has reached maximum capacity due to the influx of casualties. Furthermore, the increasing demands for shelter, food, and clean water are becoming more pressing as winter approaches. CARE has maintained an operational presence in Herat since 2020, employing 133 staff members who are currently safe. The organization is swiftly reallocating its health projects to assist those impacted by these devastating earthquakes.

The recent earthquakes in Herat province highlight the growing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. Following years of conflict and economic instability, Afghanistan has been facing natural disasters that have further strained the resources and resilience of its people. The continuing aftershocks from the initial earthquake have worsened an already precarious situation, amplifying the urgent need for humanitarian aid and assistance in recovery efforts. Organizations such as CARE are actively engaged in providing critical services amidst the challenges posed by inadequate funding and logistical constraints, particularly during the harsh winter months that exacerbate the plight of affected communities.

In conclusion, the dual earthquakes impacting Herat province have created a severe humanitarian emergency, with thousands now in urgent need of aid. CARE Afghanistan is mobilizing resources and making immediate efforts to provide medical assistance and essential supplies to those affected. The situation necessitates continued support and funding to address the urgent needs for shelter, food, and medical care, particularly as the harsh winter months approach.

Original Source: www.care.org