On October 7th, a powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck the Herat province in Afghanistan, killing over 1,000 people, injuring 2,500, and leaving areas where homes have been completely destroyed. This earthquake was followed by a second quake of 6.3-magnitude on early Wednesday, October 11, affecting Herat Province a second time just days apart. This seismic event further worsened the situation, with hundreds more injured, electricity cut, drinking water contaminated, and limited food access.
Afghanistan is facing many disaster response challenges. There have been difficulties estimating the death toll and missing persons in remote villages due to the lack of records and many refugees displaced by war and drought. Fifteen million people in Afghanistan are food insecure and over 1,600 people injured by the quake have poor medical access in ill-equipped hospitals. Additionally, Afghanistan's economic crisis has strapped the country for resources, and few countries have pledged support to help in the aftermath of the recent earthquakes. International assistance will play a crucial role in addressing both immediate needs and facilitating long-term response efforts.
As we look to build that response, we know that giving to support people in Afghanistan must be done with great care and diligence. CAF America is committed to supporting the vital relief efforts underway to recover from this devastating disaster. We have reached out to all of our eligible charities with operations in the region to confirm their work in response to the disaster.
As an organization committed to enabling cross-border charitable giving, CAF America stands ready to assist US donors wanting to support the ongoing relief efforts. Please reach out to us if there is anything we can do to assist you: info@cafamerica.org or 202-793-2232.
Organizations Responding to the Earthquake in Afghanistan
The organizations in the list below are working to provide relief and are currently vetted and eligible to receive grants from CAF America. You can support their work by clicking on the organization name or by contacting your fund manager to make a grant from your fund.
Organizations in the United States
Airlink: Airlink is monitoring the crisis to assist with logistics in aid provision, and recently assisted with the provision of health equipment.
Afghans Empowered: Afghans Empowered (LEARN-Afghan) is working to provide medical aid, temporary shelter, food, and water for the thousands affected by the earthquakes in Afghanistan.
International Rescue Committee: The IRC has deployed emergency response teams to assess the full extent of the damage and provide immediate assistance, including medical care, to the affected population. Simultaneously, the IRC is gearing up to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment, to guide the distribution of crucial aid, including cash assistance and emergency non-food items.
Islamic Relief USA: Islamic Relief is working with local partners to provide emergency relief to families including food aid, vital medical supplies, and temporary shelter.
Mercy Corps: Mercy Corps' teams are working alongside partners to assess the needs of affected communities. The agency is committed to long-term response efforts, addressing urgent water and sanitation needs, and providing cash support to help communities rebuild and recover.
UNICEF USA: United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) teams have mobilzed in Afghanistan to provide psychosocial support, emergency tents and drugs for overburdened health clinics, hygiene and family kits, cooking supplies, and winter clothes and blankets for families who lost their home.
Organizations around the World
Action for Development: Action for Development is providing relief through medical kits, hygiene kits, mobile clinics, food, and drinking water/sanitation support.
CARE International: CARE has an existing presence in Herat and is providing critical assistance to people affected by the earthquakes. It has deployed five 24/7 mobile health clinics and psychosocial support teams to help affected communities. CARE has also distributed essential items, including dignity kits, blankets, tarpaulins, ready meals, and water, to an estimated 2,500 affected individuals.
Deutsches Rotes Kreuz e.V.: The German Red Cross is currently in close coordination with its sister societies and the partners of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in order to provide immediate aid and support search and rescue efforts. Mobile health teams are in action and are also providing the population with basic supplies such as food, blankets and hygiene kits.
International Committee Of The Red Cross: The ICRC is working with the Afghan Red Crescent and other partners to provide support for healthcare, rehabilitation, and sanitation, as well as livelihood and family reconnection assistance.
Medecins Sans Frontieres UK: MSF teams have set up medical tents at the Herat Regional Hospital and are providing medical care and casualty kits to victims of the earthquake.
