Thousands killed and injured in deadly earthquakes in Afghanistan
A series of earthquakes - reaching 6.3 magnitude - hit western Afghanistan near Herat city in October.
2,445 people are reported to have been killed and 9,240 people injured across eleven villages of Zinda Jan district. Villages have been flattened, with many residents still buried under the rubble.
These earthquakes hit at a time when people in Afghanistan are already struggling to survive. The country is facing a third year of drought-like conditions and second year of crippling economic decline.
40 years of conflict and recurrent natural disasters have left at least 28.8 million people (two thirds of the population) in need of urgent humanitarian assistance.
It’s the second consecutive year that deadly earthquakes have hit Afghanistan. In June 2022, the provinces of Paktika and Khost were hit by a 5.9 magnitude quake that killed more than 1,000 people and left tens of thousands homeless.
The Afghan Red Crescent Society is providing aid to people across the Herat province. People need our help, please donate to the Afghanistan Crisis Appeal.
What is the Red Cross doing to help people in Afghanistan?
Local Afghan Red Crescent teams responded immediately to the earthquake in the Herat province helping with search and rescue efforts. They continue to provide aid and support to those affected.
Our teams are providing:
• 10,000 blankets
• 4,000 tarpaulins
• 6,000 jerrycans
• food parcels for 2,000 households
We’re also doubling provisions to help people through the cold winter months.
How to help people affected by the earthquake in Afghanistan
The situation in Afghanistan is desperate. The best and quickest way to help support those affected by the earthquake is to donate to our appeal. Donations will go towards helping people on the ground that need our support. Your donation will help us deliver food, water, basic medical supplies and shelter, as well as looking ahead to help people rebuild their lives after the earthquake.
Over three decades of support for Afghanistan
The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has been helping the people of Afghanistan for over 30 years.
Our teams are on the ground in all 34 of the country's provinces – including isolated rural areas – providing essential relief and supporting hospitals and medical facilities.
We have 140 health teams, including 70 mobile teams who cover the entire country, providing primary healthcare such as routine immunisations in areas other agencies are unable to reach.
We are also committed to providing longer-term support in Afghanistan, particularly to women and girls.
Our network of staff and 40,000 volunteers are working hard to support families through the multiple crises they’re facing right now.