A 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck Herat province, Afghanistan, on October 11, 2023, worsening an already critical humanitarian situation following a previous quake on October 7 that had already claimed over 1,000 lives. Thousands are now displaced and in urgent need of aid, including medical assistance, shelter, food, and water. CARE is actively responding with mobile health clinics and essential supplies, but challenges remain due to limited funding and impending cold weather.
On October 11, 2023, Herat province in western Afghanistan experienced another significant earthquake, measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale, further compounding the humanitarian crisis in the region. This earthquake occurred a mere four days after a previous tremor on October 7, which had already caused widespread devastation, affecting over 12,000 individuals, and resulting in more than 1,000 fatalities along with extensive injuries. The recent quake has rendered thousands of homes uninhabitable, forcing many residents to seek refuge in temporary shelters. Reshma Azmi, Deputy Country Director of CARE Afghanistan, emphasized the dire circumstances faced by the citizens of Herat following the recent seismic events, noting, “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 distributed essential supplies to approximately 2,500 affected individuals, including dignity kits, blankets, tarpaulins, ready meals, and water. However, in light of the second earthquake, the organization has identified the urgent need for medical supplies, as local hospitals are overwhelmed with patients. Furthermore, there is a pressing demand for food, water, and adequate shelter as the emergency situation continues to escalate. The humanitarian crisis has been exacerbated by insufficient funding for the response efforts, alongside the onset of colder temperatures which threaten to increase the vulnerability of the affected populations. Since 2020, CARE has maintained an office in Herat, staffed by 133 personnel, all of whom have been confirmed safe. Their existing health initiatives have been promptly adjusted to assist those impacted by the earthquakes.
The recent earthquakes in Herat province have highlighted the fragility of the region, already struggling with significant challenges due to ongoing humanitarian issues. The October 7 earthquake had already inflicted serious damage leading to high casualty rates and further displacement of residents. The subsequent earthquake on October 11 only intensified the adversities faced by the local population, necessitating immediate humanitarian intervention to provide medical care, shelter, food, and water.
The situation in Herat province following the recent earthquakes is critical, with thousands of residents in urgent need of humanitarian aid. Organizations such as CARE are mobilizing their resources to address immediate medical and relief needs, focusing on the most vulnerable segments of the population. The challenges posed by underfunding and adverse weather conditions exacerbate the crisis, underscoring the necessity for sustained support and intervention in the region.
Original Source: www.care.org
