Two powerful earthquakes in four days: 12,000 people affected in Afghanistan

Immediate rehabilitation care 

More than 12,000 people have been affected by the two earthquakes across five districts of Herat Province, hitting Zinda Jan district particularly hard. The UN is reporting 1,294 deaths and 1,688 injured. 

At Herat Regional Hospital, there are not enough inpatient physical therapists to deliver much-needed physical rehabilitation services. To address this gap, HI has deployed four physical therapists and four psychosocial staff to provide rehabilitation services to people with injuries. Prompt and comprehensive trauma care can help patients avoid permanent disabilities caused by their injuries.

To date, the 80-bed Regional Hospital in Herat City has admitted more than 450 patients, with another 100 receiving care in private health facilities. HI teams have provided care to 138 people and distributed 23 assistive devices.

Assessing the humanitarian situation 

People in this area are already experiencing hardship, exhausted by years of war. And winter is on the way. 
Immediately after the earthquake, members of HI went out as part of a UN-coordinated team of around 150 people from various NGOs and INGOs. An assessment is underway to determine the most urgent needs. 

Herat has not experienced an earthquake of this magnitude in a long time and HI anticipates there will be a significant need for psychological support in the aftermath. Many people are at risk of developing symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some may require psychological support to help them cope with the grieving process.

HI has also deployed six assessment teams to different locations. We should have a clearer picture of the humanitarian situation soon. 

But we already know that there is an urgent need for emergency tents and longer-term shelter solutions to withstand the winter, as well as tarps, blankets, clothes, kitchen sets, toilets, drinking water, storage containers and food aid.

HI is coordinating with other humanitarian organizations to see how it can help with these supplies.