Urgent Aid Required Following Powerful Earthquakes in Herat Province
On October 11, 2023, a magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck Herat province, Afghanistan, compounding the humanitarian crisis caused by an earlier quake on October 7. Thousands are in urgent need of aid as shelters have been overwhelmed. CARE is providing medical assistance and essential items but faces challenges due to underfunding amid worsening conditions.
On October 11, 2023, a powerful earthquake of magnitude 6.3 struck Herat province in western Afghanistan, exacerbating the already critical humanitarian situation in the region. The tremor, which struck near Herat City, was felt widely and came only four days after a devastating earthquake on October 7, which led to over 1,000 fatalities and affected more than 12,000 individuals. The aftermath of both earthquakes has left many homes in ruins, displacing residents into makeshift shelters. Reshma Azmi, the Deputy Country Director for CARE Afghanistan, expressed deep concern for the people of Herat, stating, “The people of Herat have already endured significant hardships, and this subsequent earthquake has only further exacerbated their plight.” CARE’s efforts are underway to assist the affected population, having deployed five mobile health clinics aimed at providing urgent medical care to the injured, with particular attention on supporting women and girls. Since the initial quake, CARE has distributed essential supplies, including dignity kits, blankets, tarpaulins, ready-to-eat meals, and water, to approximately 2,500 individuals in distress. The situation is increasingly dire as the local hospital reaches capacity and urgent needs for medicine and shelter grow. The humanitarian response has faced underfunding, compounding the crisis, particularly amidst the onset of cold weather which is likely to worsen the living conditions for those displaced. CARE, established in Herat since 2020, has redirected its health initiatives to focus on aiding those impacted by these recent calamities, ensuring that their 133 local staff remain safe and prepared to respond to the ongoing needs of the community.
The recent earthquakes in Herat province illustrate the compounded challenges faced by communities in Afghanistan, already struggling with poverty and instability. The October 7 earthquake had severe consequences, rendering thousands homeless and leading to significant fatalities and injuries. The follow-up earthquake on October 11 has raised urgent concerns regarding relief efforts, healthcare capacity, and the overall humanitarian situation. Organizations like CARE are actively mobilizing resources to provide medical assistance and essential goods to those affected, highlighting the urgency of international support and funding in response to these natural disasters. Moreover, environmental factors, such as the approaching cold weather, are set to further exacerbate the plight of the affected population.
In summary, the recent earthquakes in Herat province underscore a humanitarian crisis that demands immediate attention and resources. With thousands in need of urgent aid following dual seismic events, CARE is mobilizing crucial support, particularly in medical and essential needs, as the local response struggles under the weight of underfunding and capacity limits. The worsening conditions as winter approaches amplify the urgency of these efforts and necessitate prompt action from international donors and humanitarian organizations.
Original Source: www.care.org
