A 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck Herat province, Afghanistan, on October 11, 2023, compounding the devastation from a previous quake just days earlier. Thousands are in dire need of urgent aid, with CARE mobilizing resources and providing medical help and essential supplies to the affected population. Funding shortages and approaching cold temperatures further exacerbate the crisis.
On October 11, 2023, Herat province in western Afghanistan experienced another significant earthquake, measuring 6.3 in magnitude, which left thousands of residents in urgent need of assistance. This quake followed a devastating earthquake that occurred on October 7, which had already impacted over 12,000 people, resulting in more than 1,000 fatalities among numerous injuries. The latest seismic event has further decimated structures, compelling many inhabitants to seek refuge in temporary shelters. In the wake of these calamities, Reshma Azmi, Deputy Country Director for 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.” CARE has initiated the distribution of essential supplies, including dignity kits, blankets, tarpaulins, ready meals, and clean water, reaching approximately 2,500 people since October 8. The organization has emphasized that following the second earthquake, the primary concern is to provide immediate medical assistance, especially since the regional hospital has reached full capacity due to the influx of injured individuals. Moreover, there are critical shortages of medicine, and the demand for shelter, food, and drinking water continues to surge. The ongoing crisis is intensified by the lack of adequate funding for humanitarian relief efforts, which has led to a sharp increase in urgent needs. With winter approaching, the cold temperatures threaten to worsen the already precarious living conditions for the affected population. CARE has been operational in Herat since 2020, employing 133 staff members who are currently safe, and has adjusted its health initiatives to address the urgent needs resulting from the earthquakes.
The situation in Herat province has drastically worsened following two significant earthquakes occurring within days of each other. The first quake on October 7 left a devastating impact, affecting numerous individuals and leading to multiple casualties. Just as recovery efforts commenced, another powerful quake struck, exacerbating the plight of residents who were already reeling from the consequences of the first disaster. Humanitarian organizations like CARE, which have been active in the region, are striving to provide necessary relief amidst challenges such as inadequate funding and the impending winter weather.
The recent earthquakes in Herat province have created a dire humanitarian crisis, with urgent needs for medical assistance, shelter, and basic supplies among the affected population. CARE is mobilizing resources to provide aid, but the challenges are amplified by limited funding and worsening weather conditions. Immediate action is crucial to support the residents of Herat as they navigate through this period of intense suffering.
Original Source: www.care.org
