The Afghanistan earthquake: six months on

It has been six months since the devastating earthquakes struck Herat Province in Afghanistan, killing over 1,400 people, and leaving thousands injured. Over 40,000 people were affected through the destruction of homes and infrastructure including water supply facilities, sanitation points and schools.  

We continue to stand in solidarity with the affected communities who are still facing a long road to recovery, with many still living in temporary shelter as the reconstruction effort continues. 

In the months since the earthquakes, we have worked with our partner CRS on the ground to deliver support in the form of emergency shelter, access to clean water and sanitation, medical supplies, food and emergency cash assistance.  

The overall situation in Afghanistan remains dire, with over 97% of the population being pushed into extreme poverty, and 24.4 million people in need of humanitarian assistance. After suffering decades of war, political turmoil and economic collapse, disasters like earthquakes have a devastating impact on an already vulnerable population.  

CRS, our partner in Afghanistan, is already supporting vulnerable communities by providing: 

• Training on livestock management practices to help reduce disease, improve livestock health and increase milk production.   
• Education for many of the most marginalised children in rural Afghanistan.
• Access to education for thousands of children.
• Advanced learning programs for older, out-of-school children.  

Your generous support has helped make a difference in the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in the world.