The United Nations has saddened over the loss of life caused by the earthquake which struck near Herat City in western Afghanistan earlier on Saturday.
In a the statement attributed to the Spokesman to the UN Secretar-General, Antonio Guterres expressed solidarity with people of Afghanistan and extends his sincere condolences to families of the victims and wished a swift recovery to those injured.
According to him, “The United Nations and our partners in Afghanistan are coordinating with the de facto authorities to swiftly assess needs and provide emergency assistance”.
As winter approaches, the Secretary-General called on the international community to come together, support people impacted by the earthquake, many of whom were already in need before this crisis.
It was reported that on 7 October 2023 at around 11.00 local time, a 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck 40km west of Herat City in Herat Province, western Afghanistan.
Initial assessments indicated that as many as 100 people have been killed across eight villages in Zindajan Province, Herat Province – Mahal Wardkah (20), Dasht Hows (15), Bahadorzai (14), Zoryan (13), Koshkak (12), Sar Boland (11), Sanjab (8), and Hilalzai (7).
With a further 500 people injured – although unconfirmed reports suggest this figure may be closer to 320 people. Additionally, 465 houses are reported to have been destroyed and 135 damaged.
In total, 4,200 people (600 families) are assessed to have been affected to date, including 1,400 IDPs (300 families). Mahal Wadakah is understood to be the worst affected village.
Additionally, an estimated 300 families (2,100 people) are reported to have been displaced to Herat City where they are living in abandoned buildings.
While UN partners and local authorities anticipate the number of casualties to increase as search and rescue efforts continue amid reports that some people may be trapped under collapsed buildings.
To date, 200 people are understood to be receiving emergency trauma care in Herat Provincial Hospital, where WHO have deployed three trauma kits sufficient to treat 150 surgeries.
IOM and UNHCR will also provide emergency shelter support to 700 families, including 640 family tents, blankets and other NFIs such as kitchen sets.
WFP will dispatch 2.1kg of high-energy biscuits for 710 affected households across several villages in Zindajan district, UNFPA will provide 1,300 dignity kits, while UNICEF will deploy an emergency WASH response team to Zindajan on 8 October.
Acute Watery Diarrhoea outbreaks are of particular concern in the aftermath of earthquakes. The Red Cross and Red Crescent have also mobilized response teams.