The situation

The series of shallow, strong earthquakes and aftershocks have been rocking Herat province in Western Afghanistan since October 7, 2023. The latest earthquake was recorded on October 15, with a magnitude of 6.3.

At least 1,386 people have lost their lives, with this staggering death toll expected to rise further. Over 175,000 people in nine districts have been directly affected, with Injil and Zinjadan districts suffering the most severe consequences. Entire villages in these areas have been flattened, with approximately 10,000 homes completely destroyed and 20,430 severely damaged. In a distressing update, the UN have estimated that of those who have lost their lives in the quakes, 90% are women & children.⁠

"Thousands of people in the area of Herat have been deeply impacted by this terrible earthquake. Families have lost their loved ones, their homes, their livelihoods. This is another devastating event in the ongoing humanitarian emergency in Afghanistan." - Abdul Rahman Tariq, Director of Programme Implementation at Afghanaid.

How is Afghanaid helping men, women and children impacted by the Afghanistan earthquake?

Afghanaid is coordinating with partners to monitor the situation, assess needs and deliver humanitarian assistance to those that need it most, especially affected families in particularly remote districts. We are asking for your help to urgently provide:

• Emergency food parcels;
• Shelter assistance;
• Cash assistance, so that families can afford urgent necessities, medical care and materials to rebuild;
• Hygiene equipment so they can stay clean and healthy;
• Vital household items many will have lost needed to cook, clean and stay warm;
• Longer-term support to help families rebuild their lives and protect themselves better against future disasters.

Donate today to help us deliver this support

We need your support to ensure vulnerable families can meet their needs at this difficult time. Please give generously today.

Note: if you choose to set up a regular gift against this appeal, for the first 6 months it will be used to support earthquake victims, and thereafter your incredible contribution will go wherever the need is greatest.