Afghanistan: Earthquake in Nangarhar OCHA Situation Report No. 2

This report was issued by OCHA Afghanistan. It covers the period from April 17 to April 19 2009.

I. HIGHLIGHTS/KEY PRIORITIES

- On April 17, Nangarhar Province in the Eastern Region of Afghanistan was struck by two earthquakes of 5.5 and 5.1 magnitude on the Richter Scale.

- Sherzad (est. population: 60,300) and Hesarak (est. population: 28,000) are reported to be the most affected districts.

- Secondary reports indicate that at least 21 people have been killed and 59 people injured. An estimated 300-600 livestock have also been killed.

II. Situation Overview

On 16 April at 21:27 UTC (02:07 local time, 17 April), an earthquake of 5.5 magnitude on the Richter scale, and 5.7 km depth, occurred in Nangarhar Province in the Eastern Region of Afghanistan. A second earthquake of 5.1 magnitude and 3.2 km depth occurred in the same area on 16 April at 23:42 UTC (04:22 local time, 17 April). The epicenter of both earthquakes was near Sherzad (est. pop. 60,300) and Hesarak (est. pop. 28,000) districts, which are located in the Hindu Kush mountain range.

Updated field reports indicate the following impact:

- 21 people killed

- 59 wounded

- 650 families lost their homes

- 290 houses destroyed

- 300-600 livestock killed

People in the affected areas report that the total figures could be higher; efforts to verify the reports are still underway, despite security concerns. So far, there is no information available concerning infrastructure affected, including roads, powers stations and water supply.

Teams have been sent to the affected area from the Department of Public Health, Afghanistan Natural Disaster Management Authority (ANDMA), and Afghanistan Red Crescent Society (ARCS). An oversight flight to investigate the damage was also arranged by WFP, with UN agencies participating.

III. Humanitarian Needs and Response

Agriculture

- Estimated 300-600 livestock killed.

- The Ministry of Agriculture is leading the initial response, and FAO is assessing the damage.

Education

- No reports have been received so far that indicate that any schools were destroyed in the earthquake, and the education cluster does not expect major damage to school buildings. However, a request has been made from ANDMA for supplementary feeding for 6 months for children to prevent malnutrition for the affected population who lost their homes. These children may also be in need of education kits. Based on 2 children per family, approximately 1,000 children would need assistance. Child protection assessments are ongoing.

Emergency Shelter

- 290 houses are reportedly uninhabitable.

- ARCS have dispatched 200 tents, 200 tarpaulins, 800 blankets, 200 jerry cans, and 200 kitchen kits. The Government of Afghanistan has distributed a further 90 tents, 580 blankets, and 400 jerry cans. Although the number of tents is insufficient, UNHCR, with their humanitarian partners, plan to fill the shelter gap needs through both temporary and more durable assistance according to beneficiary lists.

- IOM report that they are ready with 500 - 600 Non-food kits which they will contribute according to need, pending further assessment

- Save the Children has delivered clothing for 300 people and 300 pairs of shoes along with a number of hygiene-kits.

Food and Nutrition

Food for 600 people has been dispatched from the PRT through local community committees. WFP are preparing a distribution of 580 kg of wheat, 580 cans of oil, and 58 bags of beans, and ANDMA has noted that food requirements will be covered.

Health

- WHO reports that the area of impact is small and that the area is not expected to hold major health facilities, however, they do have medicines in supply and are prepared with emergency drug kits.

- Personnel from the Ministry of Public Health are on the scene and report that they have dispatched 100 medical kits, some tents, and blankets. UNICEF report that they have sent medical kits, blankets, jerry cans, family kits, cooking gas, and biscuits also through the Department of Public Health (DoPH). DoPH reports that it has enough medical material and that six mobile teams are working in the area. The department also reports that it is well equipped with ambulances.

- Youth Education Service has medicine at a value of approximately 800,000 Afs ready for distribution.

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene

ANDMA reports that clean potable water is required. However, aid agencies on site have not found water to be an immediate priority issue. A more in depth assessment will be conducted.

Cross-Cluster/Sector Issues

ANDMA has reportedly distributed 30,000 Afs to each family experiencing loss of life, 10,000 Afs to each family who lost their home, 5,000 Afs per partly damaged house, and 10,000 Afs to each injured person.