Your support is urgently needed as Afghanistan reels from a devastating earthquake, compounding decades of crises.
On October 7, a 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck Herat province, resulting in over 2,000 deaths with a second taking place just outside of Herat on October 11, and yet a third on October 15. Thousands more have been injured and many have been displaced by this series of earthquakes. Buildings have been damaged and destroyed, and hospitals overwhelmed. This disaster has exacerbated an already difficult situation in Afghanistan following decades of conflict and poverty, with scarce resources coming under even more pressure.
Our partners are responding to urgent basic needs and providing cash assistance to families. The immediate response includes:
Afghanistan was already suffering combined factors of economic collapse, political instability and long-term drought, which have left the people of Afghanistan already in need of urgent humanitarian assistance. Two-thirds of households find it difficult to meet basic food and non-food needs.
CRS, our partner in Afghanistan, is already supporting vulnerable communities by providing:
Your generous donation today means our partners in Afghanistan can respond quickly and efficiently to support vulnerable communities.
*source: UNHCR/World Bank
are being pushed into extreme poverty
are in need of humanitarian assistance
find it difficult to meet basic food and non-food needs
Afghanistan is experiencing crises compounding crises, and the situation could not be more dire for vulnerable communities. It is vital that people of compassion and the international community take action to help families impacted by poverty, food insecurity, and lack of access to essentials.
Without urgent action, the current humanitarian crisis could lead to more deaths than during the war. Your urgent support is needed now.
The funds raised through this appeal will be used to provide immediate and longer-term humanitarian and development assistance to communities affected by crises in Afghanistan. If any excess funds remain after a crisis, or if there are changes in circumstances beyond our control that limit our ability to use the funds, they are kept in the Emergency Response Appeal so that we can respond to ongoing development needs and future crises across all our regions.
As a member of the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID), Caritas Australia is committed and fully adhere to the ACFID Code of Conduct, conducting our work with transparency, accountability and integrity. Find out more about ACFID Code of Conduct for Emergency Appeals.