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Late Sunday, a devastating 6.0 magnitude earthquake hit at least four provinces in eastern Afghanistan, completely destroying entire villages with the tragic loss of over 1,400 lives and 3,100 injured with the death toll still rising. The large loss of life occurred throughout hundreds of houses in remote areas, affecting women, children, babies, and entire families because the earthquake struck late at night, while they were sleeping. Afghan women and girls face distinct challenges during emergencies as they are more likely to die or be injured during an earthquake. They are at a heightened risk of violence and have limited access to vital maternal health services. Survivors are now bravely sifting through the rubble, while facing a severe lack of medical care, water, food, shelter, and humanitarian aid in a nation already ravaged by conflict. UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, is on the ground assessing the impact and providing emergency humanitarian aid. We have deployed mobile health teams and ambulances with midwives, doctors, and psychosocial counselors to the hardest hit areas. We’re reaching survivors with emergency supplies including health kits, Dignity Kits, blankets and more.
The scale of this disaster is massive and every second counts for survivors. With the death toll still climbing, women and girls are in urgent need of your emergency humanitarian gift to receive lifesaving healthcare.
We will keep you updated on our ongoing efforts in providing emergency healthcare and how you can remain engaged during this devastating period. Our heartfelt sympathies are with the people of Afghanistan, and thanks to generous support, we are prepared to provide assistance wherever it is most urgently needed. Your humanitarian gift today will help ensure that no women and girls are left behind. — USA for UNFPA |
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