AFGHANISTAN, OCTOBER 16, 2023 – Afghanistan has been struck by three strong earthquakes in just over a week, causing widespread death, destruction, and trauma. The latest earthquake, a 6.3-magnitude event on October 15, 2023, struck Herat province once again. To date, the earthquakes have resulted in more than 1,300 deaths and 2,000 injuries. Approximately 19,000 people in total have been affected. These numbers are expected to rise.
“The earthquakes in Afghanistan have disproportionately affected women and girls, and there is an urgent need for psychosocial support,” said Reshma Azmi, CARE Afghanistan Deputy Country Director. “Women and girls are more likely to be victims of the earthquakes due to a lack of earthquake safety and
preparedness knowledge, as well as restrictions on their rights and mobility. The disaster is also likely to worsen the mental health crisis that Afghan women are already experiencing.”
“Thousands of traumatized women and girls in Herat need urgent psychosocial support,” said Dr. Khatera Azami, nutrition counselor at CARE Herat, who has been providing health relief to quake-affected communities. “Psychosocial services are just as urgent a need as healthcare services for affected communities.”
Nasir Ahmad Foshanji, the provincial manager of CARE in Herat, described the urgency of the situation, “Many people in Herat are facing dire circumstances, with thousands living in open spaces. Immediate necessities include shelter, clothing, healthcare services, and the fundamental infrastructure required for stable communities.”
CARE is on the ground with partners in Herat province, providing critical assistance to people affected by the earthquakes. It has deployed five 24/7 mobile health clinics and psychosocial support teams to help affected communities. CARE has also distributed essential items, including dignity kits, blankets, tarpaulins, ready meals, and water, to an estimated 2,500 affected individuals.
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About CARE Canada:
Founded in 1945 with the creation of the CARE Package ℠, CARE is a leading humanitarian organization working around the globe to save lives, defeat poverty, and achieve social justice. CARE puts women and girls at the centre of our work because we know we cannot overcome poverty until all people have equal rights and opportunities. CARE develops solutions alongside women and girls to lift themselves, their families, and communities out of poverty and out of crisis. CARE works in over 100 countries around the world.
To learn more about CARE Canada, visit care.ca.