Afghanistan: 25 December Earthquake - OCHA Flash Update No. 2 (28 December 2015)

Kabul, Afghanistan

Situation:

The 6.3 magnitude earthquake that struck north-eastern Afghanistan on the evening of 25 December injured 15 people, damaged 1,341 homes and affected 9,556 people in eight provinces, according to initial reports received 28 December by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Assessments are ongoing and the data is subject to change as more information becomes available. No earthquake-related deaths had been reported as of the end of the reporting period. Injuries were highest in the eastern province of Nangarhar, where 13 people were hurt as a result of the earthquake. Damage was most extensive nearer to the epicentre in Badakhshan Province.

Assessments:

As of 28 December, joint assessment teams had reported minor damage in eight of 25 earthquake-affected districts where assessments had been completed. The International Organization for Migration is facilitating rapid needs assessments in Badakhshan Province, where the districts of Shuhada and Baharak were most severely affected by the 25 December earthquake.

Response, Needs and Gaps:

Food and non-food items as well as shelter are expected to be the primary needs. The Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) is providing food and non-food items (NFIs) to 11 families in Baghlan Province. The Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority (ANDMA), UN Children’s Fund and ARCS have committed to assisting families in need of food and NFIs in Parwan Province and the distribution of assistance is expected to begin on 30 December. ANDMA and Concern Worldwide are providing food and NFIs to families in need in Takhar Province. No gaps in the response have been identified thus far.

Coordination:

The Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan is leading disaster assessment and response efforts through the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority and Provincial Disaster Management Committees. Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, who chairs Afghanistan’s National Disaster Management Committee, has said the earthquake did not cause large scale damage or destruction. The Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development has stocks of tents and other non-food items available if required.