Attachments
Highlights
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6.3 magnitude earthquake hit the western region in Afghanistan on 7 October 2023.
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Another 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck Herat at 5:11 am on 11 October, followed by at least three aftershocks.
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Around 19,250 people have been affected across six districts: Zindajan, Injil, Kushk/Rabat-e-Sangai, Gulran, Herat and Kohsan of Herat province.
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Health Cluster reached 21,829 affected people through 16 partners in highly affected districts (Zindajan, Injil, Kohsan, Herat city, Kushk and Gulran).
Overview:
The 6.3 magnitude earthquake on October 7, 2023, and another of the same magnitude on October 11, have shaken Herat province in the western part of Afghanistan. Numerous aftershocks persisted until October 14, leaving the local population in a persistent state of anxiety and fear.
Furthermore, on October 12, dust storms in Zindajan, Kohsan, and Kushk/Rabat-e-Sangai districts were reported, destroying tents used by the mobile health and nutrition teams (MHNTs). WHO and its Health Cluster have re-supplied tents to continue lifesaving services. The dust storm also damaged tents that serve as temporary shelter for survivors.
Nearly 60% of the displaced population are temporarily relocated in more than 100 tents and 10 rooms at the Gazergah Transit Centre (GTC) in Herat city. Approximately 250 individuals are in urgent need of essential food and non-food items.
As of October 13th, OCHA Afghanistan has reported that over 19,250 individuals, comprising 3,197 families, have been directly affected by the earthquakes across various districts, including Zindajan (1,398), Injil (914), Kushk/Rabat-e-Sangai (385), Gulran (360), Herat (121), and Khosan (19). To date, 1,384 people (759 females and 625 males) are reported to have died and 1,853 people are injured (1,137 females and 716 males) by the earthquakes. Most of the casualties are women and children.
A rapid satellite imagery analysis conducted by the Global Shelter Cluster indicates around 21,282 buildings have sustained damage as a consequence of the earthquake. It is anticipated that the extent of damage may increase as further analysis and assessments are conducted.
WHO and its health partners are collaborating closely with local health authorities to intensify response efforts, addressing both the immediate and long-term needs of the earthquake survivors. As of October 13th, WHO and Health Cluster partners, have reached of 21,829 individuals across various districts, including Zindajan (17,687), Injil (1,804), Kohsan (205), Herat city (1,720), Kushk (336), and Gulran (77).