Red Crescent teams quickly responded and provided assistance and relief following a destructive and devastating earthquake that struck western Afghanistan on October 7.
The Afghan Red Crescent Society swiftly mobilized response teams to provide assistance and relief efforts across the affected areas. Health teams were deployed to address medical needs, and crucial non-food items including blankets, jerry cans, kitchen sets, and tarpaulins were rapidly distributed to support those impacted by this catastrophic event. More than 100 volunteers have been mobilized for the earthquake response in Herat.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and its network partners are working closely with the Afghan Red Crescent Society, forging a united front, and mobilizing joint assessment teams and immediate response efforts.
Alexander Matheou, IFRC regional director for Asia Pacific shared, "The short term needs are water, shelter, food. We are providing them with the Afghan Red Crescent Society. The IFRC is committed to be here for the long term. Supporting people to rebuild their homes & livelihoods."
The destruction in Herat was extensive, resulting in the flattening of entire villages in Zinda Jan district and damage to many houses in Ghoryan and Robot Sangy districts. Many residents were tragically trapped under the rubble, needing urgent search and rescue operations.
This earthquake is a compounded tragedy for Afghanistan, which is already wrestling with one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises. The nation was already on its knees, with nearly 29 million people in need of urgent assistance. The quake in Herat was akin to a total knockout for communities that were already facing decades of conflict, severe drought, flooding and extreme economic hardship.
To learn more, visit IFRC.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
Take a class and be ready to respond if an emergency strikes.
