Afghanistan: Flash Update #3 Earthquake in Herat Province, Western Region, Afghanistan, 10 October 2023

Highlights

• Aftershocks continue to be felt two days after a 6.3 magnitude earthquake rocked Herat Province, western Afghanistan.

• Search and rescue efforts are ongoing with the support of international partners including the Islamic Republic of Iran and Türkiye, while humanitarian actors are coordinating with relevant de-facto line ministries on the delivery of assistance.

• To date, it is estimated 12,110 people (1,730 families) have been affected by the earthquake across five districts of Herat Province—Gulran (95 families), Injil (150 families), Khosan (60 families), Kushk (Robat-e-Sangai) (30 families) and Zindajan (1,395 families). The number of affected households is expected to rise as assessments are continuing in Gulran, Injil, Khosan and Kushk districts.

• The epicentre of the earthquake – Zindajan district – is the worst-affected area with 1,294 deaths, 1,688 injuries and 100 percent of homes destroyed. A further 485 people (191 men and 294 women) are reported to be missing. Six schools are also reported to have been destroyed in the district, along with three early child development centres, and two community-based education classes serving 60 children; eight schools have also been partially damaged. Additionally, 33 unaccompanied minors, 17 unaccompanied elderly, and 53 female-headed households have been identified.

• In addition to Zindajan district, satellite imagery from UNOSAT indicates extreme-levels of levels of destruction in Injil districts, Herat Province. Both districts experienced the highest intensity shaking (7+) according to the Modified Mercalli Intensity scale (MMI).

• Priority needs identified include emergency shelter (tents, as well as longer-term solutions to withstand winter), non-food items (tarpaulins, blankets, clothes, and kitchen sets etc.), WASH (latrines, potable water and storage containers), food assistance and protection.

• Children are particularly vulnerable and have suffered severe psychological distress from the earthquake requiring mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS). Additionally, some earthquake-affected households have experienced displacement, relocation and the separation of families. Critical gaps identified to date include the limited number of partners available to provide specialized counselling and poor phone and signal connectivity in the affected areas which is disrupting communication and delaying the transfer of assessment data.

• The Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund emergency reserve allocation of US $5 million has been launched and will support immediate relief efforts. With the current Afghanistan Humanitarian Response Plan only 34 per cent funded, additional resources are needed to mount a response to the earthquake commensurate with the needs.