Urgent Aid Response Following Second Earthquake in Herat Province, Afghanistan

A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck Herat Province, Afghanistan, on October 11, 2023, exacerbating a humanitarian crisis that began with a previous quake. Thousands more are in urgent need of aid, following substantial destruction and loss of life. CARE is mobilizing resources to provide medical assistance and essential supplies to affected individuals, but underfunding and cold weather increase the challenges faced by the population.

On October 11, 2023, Herat Province in western Afghanistan was struck by another severe earthquake measured at a magnitude of 6.3. This disaster occurred merely four days following an earlier quake on October 7, which had already severely impacted over 12,000 residents, resulting in more than 1,000 fatalities and countless injuries. The recent tremor has compounded the already critical humanitarian crisis, plunging thousands into further devastation with homes destroyed and many residents left homeless. Reshma Azmi, the Deputy Country Director of CARE Afghanistan, stated, “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.” Since the aftermath of the initial earthquake, CARE has been distributing vital supplies, including dignity kits, blankets, tarpaulins, ready meals, and water, to approximately 2,500 individuals affected. Following this second earthquake, the organization has shifted its focus to delivering necessary medical supplies, as regional healthcare facilities have reached full capacity. The acute scarcity of medicine, compounded by the immediate necessities for shelter, food, and clean water, presents an urgent challenge for the affected populace. The situation is further complicated by an acute underfunding of humanitarian initiatives, which has exacerbated the rapidly growing needs among the population. With the arrival of cold weather conditions and the devastating impacts of this latest earthquake, the struggle for basic survival for those affected is increasingly dire. CARE has operated an office in Herat since 2020, employing 133 staff members, all of whom remain safe amid the disaster. The organization’s health-related projects in the region are swiftly being adapted to assist the earthquake victims effectively.

The earthquakes that struck Herat Province highlight the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, worsened by natural disasters and inadequate resources for recovery. The initial earthquake on October 7 had already adversely affected thousands, necessitating a swift humanitarian response to alleviate suffering. The subsequent earthquake only intensified the already critical situation, reflecting the urgent need for medical and shelter support for the affected individuals. CARE, an established organization in the region, is actively engaged in this response, illustrating the dire necessity for effective disaster management and aid mobilization in one of the world’s most vulnerable areas.

The recent powerful earthquake that struck Herat Province represents an escalation in the humanitarian crisis faced by thousands of residents in Afghanistan. With significant loss of life and increased needs for shelter and medical aid, organizations like CARE are working diligently to provide essential support. However, challenges including inadequate funding and adverse weather conditions continue to threaten the well-being of the affected communities. It is crucial for the international community to respond effectively and urgently to help mitigate the suffering of those impacted by this disaster.

Original Source: www.care.org