Photo: Getty
Thousands of people are feared dead after an earthquake shocked western Afghanistan on Saturday. At a magnitude of 6.3, the earthquake was certainly disastrous but for a war-ravaged nation in the midst of an economic crisis, it has become even more catastrophic.
The disaster struck about 40 km northwest of the city of Herat and resulted in powerful aftershocks. Widely shared images and videos on social media show the destruction of homes and heartwrenching scenes of survivors being rescued from the rubble while hospitals struggle to accommodate everyone. With poor infrastructure and a severe lack of resources, Afghanistan is in dire need of international aid and assistance.
Below, discover how you can help.
International Rescue Committee
The International Rescue Committee has mobilized teams on the ground to assess the extent of the damage and provide assistance to those in need, including medical care. According to a statement, the organization is currently working tirelessly to ensure that the most vulnerable individuals and communities receive the necessary support. Make a donation here, and it will be doubled.
Islamic Relief
Islamic Relief, a Muslim non-profit dedicated to disaster response, is already on the ground responding to the disaster. After the Islamic Relief Afghanistan health team based in Herat traveled to the earthquake-affected area to conduct a needs assessment the organization will be providing health services, distributing tents, non-food items, and cash vouchers to those most affected. You can support their efforts here.
World Food Program
Mere hours after disaster struck the Herat-based World Food Program (WFP) team started distributing high-energy biscuits to 700 affected families. With assessments still ongoing WFP is preparing to to reach up to 70,000 earthquake-affected people with food or cash to buy food, and has already prepared food parcels for 20,000 people. Each parcel can feed a family of seven for one month and contains fortified wheat flour and vegetable oil, pulses, and salt. To support their efforts, make a donation here.
CARE
In the wake of the earthquake, CARE in Afghanistan immediately started to assess the needs and requirements of the community while providing emergency assistance by dispatching its mobile medical clinics and distributing dignity kits and blankets to women and girls affected by the earthquake. The organization reported that families are in urgent need of food, medicine, and clean water. You can make a donation here.
Save the Children
Save the Children has already mobilized and is coordinating with partners on the ground to get emergency assistance to the most impacted areas in the area. In addition to urgent supplies such as food, clean water, and medical care the organization will also be providing families with cash grants to rebuild their homes and mental health support for children. You can make a donation here.
