London, 16th October – The province of Herat has experienced a harrowing series of powerful earthquakes striking on October 7th, 11th and 15th. It caused significant damage to infrastructure and has left countless individuals and families in need of assistance. Zindajan district is the worst-affected area, with 1,294 deaths, 1,688 injuries and 100 per cent of homes destroyed.
The emergency team of Action Against Hunger works with its partner in Afghanistan – Razi Development Social Organization – to distribute emergency kits to 1,400 individuals from 200 most-affected households.
“Some families lost almost everything because of the earthquake. Along with their homes, they lost their personal belongings and cannot prepare a meal or even a cup of tea. In emergency kits, we included such items as pressure cookers, jerry cans, towels, mats, raincoats, and even forks, spoons, bowls and matches”, explains Vijay Raghavan, Country Director of Action Against Hunger in Afghanistan.
The households will also receive cash vouchers to purchase winter clothing and blankets and can benefit from psychosocial first aid. In addition, 400 children will receive psychosocial kits with toys designed to meet the various needs of children and their families in vulnerable situations.
“Our mental health experts are used to working in emergency environments, training local psychosocial and aid workers to better support victims. Through assessments in affected areas, we get a better picture of gaps, emerging needs, and access of communities to essential services,” says Gul Mohammad Ehsani, Mental Health and Team Leader for the emergency response.
This week, Action Against Hunger and RSDO experts have visited the most damaged villages of Naib Rafi, Kushkak, Sia Ab, and Kernel of Zindajan district. Along with the emergency response, the teams work tirelessly in assessing the needs and documenting the impact of the earthquakes on livelihoods in coordination with local authorities and partner organisations.
“Winter is coming and we have to respond as quickly as possible to the needs of the most affected, or the situation will deteriorate more in the coming months”, concludes Mr. Raghavan.
Notes to editors
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