On the morning of 31 August, a devastating 6.0 magnitude earthquake hit Afghanistan. Already, over 1,400 people have died, with over 3,100 injured.
The scale of destruction is immense. The provinces of Kunar and Nangarhar, nearest to the epicentre and close to the border of Pakistan, have been hit the hardest. More than 5,400 homes have been destroyed, and over 12,000 people are without food, clean water, and shelter.
We are racing against time to provide urgent medical care, food, clean water, and search and rescue equipment to the areas they are needed most. Please help rush emergency aid to those most affected by donating now.
“ActionAid Afghanistan is working around the clock to provide support to communities in areas where we operate and beyond.”
– Srikanta, Director of ActionAid Afghanistan
ActionAid in Afghanistan works out of Nangarhar, one of the hardest-hit provinces. In coordination with other local partners, our team is conducting a rapid assessment of the situation and working hard to deliver emergency aid.
We have been working in Afghanistan since 2005. Because we already have a team on the ground, we were among the first responders.
Afghani communities continue to manage the impact of prolonged conflict, mass displacement and food and nutrition insecurity. Sudden onset disasters, like this earthquake, vastly increase the vulnerability of these communities.
With the public service system already stretched to its limits, we are racing against time to provide swift humanitarian assistance.
Women, children, the elderly and those with disabilities often suffer the most during humanitarian emergencies. Typically, more women than men are killed by rapid onset disasters like earthquakes.
Pregnant women and mothers, particularly those who are breastfeeding, and menstruating girls, all need specific support and provisions. Without shelter, women and girls are now living outdoors, which greatly increases their risk of violence.
“It was [nearly] 12:00 at night when suddenly the earthquake hit us. We could not even understand what was happening.”
When the earthquake struck near midnight, she was forced to leave her home.
“There was no place to eat, no toilet, and nowhere to wash…some of us are injured. There are three or four women who are pregnant, and we don’t have a place to go. We are just lying under the tents. There is no female doctor to go to when we feel ill. There is no one to help us. We are just staying here in very difficult conditions. Our homes are destroyed, and we cannot go [back] there.”
90% of your donation goes directly to our Afghanistan Earthquake Appeal, providing vital aid to the survivors of this crisis.
10% of your donation will be retained for ActionAid’s Emergency Action Fund. This fund is used for ensuring that we are prepared and able to respond quickly and more effectively to future emergencies and crises.
