Islamic Relief is launching an urgent appeal to support lifesaving aid in the aftermath of a powerful earthquake in northwest Afghanistan.
The 6.3 magnitude quake struck on Saturday, near the Iranian border, with strong aftershocks wreaking further destruction. At least a dozen villages near the city of Herat have been devastated. Hundreds of homes are thought to have been flattened, with reports that families have been buried inside.
Hundreds of people are reported to have died, but as rescue and relief efforts continue, Afghan authorities fear the death toll could be more than 2,000. Hospitals are said to be battling to treat the injured in an already struggling healthcare system.
Even before this disaster, poverty-stricken Afghanistan was in the grip of a severe humanitarian crisis. Decades of political and economic instability, and the negative effects of climate change, have brought the economy close to collapse, with more than half the population suffering from critical food and cash shortages.
Islamic Relief is a lifeline in Afghanistan
Islamic Relief has been working in Afghanistan for more than 23 years, providing emergency relief and implementing life-changing development projects that are a lifeline for some of the most vulnerable families.
Our emergency teams are in the earthquake-affected area, where they are helping with urgent medical care while assessing how best Islamic Relief can assist survivors. We are also coordinating closely with United Nations agency OCHA and other humanitarian organisations.
As we expand our lifesaving interventions in the wake of this latest disaster, we are appealing for support so we can remain a lifeline for vulnerable families. It is likely that our initial focus will be on providing healthcare, tents, and winter survival items.
Please support our lifesaving work: donate generously to our Afghanistan Emergency Appeal now.