Afghanistan experienced a devastating earthquake of a 6.3 magnitude on Oct. 7, killing over 2,400 people, injuring more than 2,000, and flattening entire villages in the Herat province. It is considered one of the most destructive earthquakes in recent years in the country. As people were still recovering from the disaster, yesterday morning, another earthquake struck about 28 kilometers outside Herat of the same magnitude as Saturday’s quake at a depth of 10 kilometers. As of now, the second earthquake resulted in one death and injured at least 140 people according to statistics stated on Reliefweb. Several aftershocks were reported in Herat city, with the number of casualties expected to rise. To put the disaster into perspective, according to Reliefweb assessments completed to date, they indicate that 11,066 people, that’s 1,835 families, were affected in the Zindajan district of Herat alone.
“Adding to this crisis is the pre-existing vulnerability of the region. Afghanistan was already reeling from the aftermath of recent floods and political instability even before this earthquake. A staggering 29 million people were in desperate need of humanitarian assistance. This earthquake has only worsened the plight of these vulnerable communities. The situation is especially dire for women and children, who now face increased risks of exploitation and abuse in their displacement, further intensifying their vulnerability. The second earthquake that struck on October 11th will greatly exacerbate the needs of affected communities,” reports the International Rescue Committee.
As the urgency of the situation continues to grow by the second, the suffering endured by everyone affected by these earthquakes is unimaginable and heart wrenching. Our donations ensure that these innocent civilians impacted by this disaster will receive the care, aid, and resources they need to ensure their safety and livelihood under these devastating circumstances.
Islamic Relief
The Islamic Relief Afghanistan Health Team based in Herat have traveled to the earthquake affected areas to provide primary health assistance and conduct needs assessments, responding firsthand to the disaster.
International Rescue Committee
In collaboration with multiple non-governmental organizations (NGO’s), the IRC team is currently assessing the full extent of the damage and providing essential assistance to those in need. The IRC has deployed four mobile health teams to the affected areas spanning Zindajan and Enjil districts.
Daanish Foundation UK
This foundation tirelessly works on providing education to areas in Afghanistan that are struck by poverty. Focusing on the most vulnerable people in disadvantaged areas, they aim to combat the lack of learning caused by poverty and discrimination. Amidst the earthquake, they have set up a fund to provide immediate aid to the people of Shabaz and other affected communities.
Uplift Afghanistan Fund
Uplift Afghanistan has sent their volunteers on the ground from across the country to rescue civilians trapped between the rubble. The donations will aid in providing immediate relief, from water supply and medical supplies to shelter and planning towards permanent solutions.
Mothers of Afghanistan
UK-based charity Mothers of Afghanistan works on the prevention of poverty and financial hardship in Afghanistan, particularly but not exclusively for women and children, by providing grants and essential items, as well as financial support for education and healthcare. They have set up a fund to directly help in the earthquake relief.
Revive Afghanistan
Revive Afghanistan will be providing aid in the most affected areas, with their two emergency relief pack options: food pack relief and emergency aid relief.
One Ummah Charity
The One Ummah team is working on the frontlines, aiming to provide those suffering with tents, housing, food packs, clean drinking water, hot meals, hygiene kits, and blankets.