Earthquake in Afghanistan
On October 7 2023 at around 11:00 local time, a devastating 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck 25 miles west of Herat City in Herat Province, western Afghanistan. Following the initial quake, several aftershocks rippled through the region, affecting neighboring provinces of Badghis and Farah as well. The impact was severe, causing extensive damage to villages and vital infrastructure.
Latest update
By October 15, 2023, two additional 6.3 magnitude earthquakes had struck Herat Afghanistan, exacerbating humanitarian needs in the region.
The latest official reports paint a grim picture: over 1,300 lives lost and 1,853 people – two thirds of whom are women and girls – injured across eleven villages of Zindajan district, Herat Province. More than 43,000 people have been affected.
Entire communities have been razed to the ground, leaving behind a trail of destruction and despair. In the immediate aftermath, many families fled their homes, leading to a significant displacement in Herat city center.
A dire situation unfolded after the first earthquake struck. Hundreds of homes and critical infrastructure were obliterated. Now, thousands of people find themselves grappling with the harsh reality of their circumstances. Nights are bitterly cold, with temperatures plummeting to around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. As winter approaches, families are forced to sleep under the open skies, battling freezing conditions, lack of essential supplies, and looming threats to their safety.
The two most recent earthquakes have caused further destruction, driving displacement and needs in vulnerable communities.
Afghan residents clear debris as they look for victims' bodies in the rubble of damaged houses after the earthquakes in Siah Ab village, Zendeh Jan district of Herat province on October 8, 2023.
Photo: Mohsen Karimi / AFP via Getty Images
The earthquake has worsened life for vulnerable populations
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.
“This is yet another tragic blow for Afghanistan, particularly Herat where over a third of the population is already experiencing hunger,” says IRC Afghanistan director, Salma Ben Aissa.
“Displacement is a major concern, and the IRC predicts that the number of households affected by the earthquakes will rise dramatically as families make the decision to relocate to safer areas of the country.”
An IRC assessment, which surveyed 5,181 households across 5 districts, has indicated that:
- 96% of shelters were destroyed
- 80% of livestock has been killed
- 100% of girls and 96% of women face protection risks, including violence
- 47% of respondents have no access to water for drinking or cooking
89% of respondents do not have enough milk or infant formula to feed babies and young children
How is the IRC helping?
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is closely monitoring the situation in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake. In collaboration with multiple non-governmental organizations (NGOs), we are working to assess the full extent of the damage and provide essential assistance to those in need. This collaborative effort underscores the urgency of the situation and the importance of a unified humanitarian response.
The IRC has swiftly mobilized nine emergency response teams in response to the crisis, prioritizing medical care to address the health needs of those impacted by the earthquake. This includes the deployment of six mobile health teams to the affected areas spanning Zinda Jan, Ghoryan, Rabag Sangi and Enjil districts.
The IRC has also completed a comprehensive needs assessment — a pivotal step in understanding the specific requirements of affected families. This assessment will guide the distribution of crucial aid, including cash assistance and emergency non-food items. By tailoring the assistance to the unique needs of each family, we can provide targeted support, ensuring that the aid provided is not only timely but also precisely tailored to alleviate the immediate challenges faced by the earthquake-affected communities.
How can I help?
Stay updated about the developing crisis in Afghanistan and learn how the IRC has been providing services in the country since 1988.
