HERAT: New data from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has illuminated the tragic aftermath of recent earthquakes in Herat, a western province of Afghanistan. These seismic events have wrought havoc, resulting in the destruction of approximately 21,500 residences.
The impact has been felt by over 154,000 individuals, and heartbreakingly, 114,000 of them are categorized as the most vulnerable members of the affected population.
Efforts have been made to provide temporary shelters and essential humanitarian aid to those grappling with the consequences of these earthquakes. Yet, with the unforgiving Afghan winter looming, concerns mount, as these vulnerable families may face a twofold increase in their needs, given the plummeting temperatures.
Acknowledging the extent of the disaster, the Taliban reported over 2,400 deaths and more than 2,000 injuries resulting from the earthquake. Heart-wrenching video footage captured the utter devastation in Siah Aab village, Zindajan district, where nearly 3,000 families once called home before the devastating earthquake on October 7.
The personal tragedy of Alif Baluch, who was in Iran during the earthquake, stands as a stark testament to the profound losses experienced. He has tragically lost his entire family, including his wife and four children. Now, he faces the formidable task of finding a new home and rebuilding his life.
Alaa AbouZeid, the World Health Organization’s Health Emergencies Team Lead in Afghanistan, has issued a stern warning about the escalating needs of earthquake-affected individuals as the winter season approaches. This includes concerns regarding a lack of shelter and access to adequate food and clean water.
Moreover, in addition to those directly affected by the earthquakes, thousands of Herat residents have been compelled to seek refuge in parks and streets, as their residences lack the necessary resilience to withstand the impact of subsequent seismic events.
