destroyed villages in herat in afghanistan following earthquake that struck

Afghanistan earthquake: Death toll passes 1,000

10 October 2023

More than 1,000 people have been killed following the 6.3 magnitude earthquake that hit western Afghanistan on 8 October.

There are fears that the death toll could rise past 2,000.

Thousands more have been injured across 11 villages of Zindajan district, Herat Province, while hundreds of individuals remain missing.

Home and livelihoods have been totally destroyed by the powerful quake, and hospitals are battling to treat the injured within an already struggling healthcare system.

Even before this disaster, crisis-stricken Afghanistan was in the grip of a severe humanitarian crisis.

Decades of political and economic instability, and the negative effects of climate change, have brought the economy close to collapse, with more than half the population suffering from critical food and cash shortages.

An urgent appeal

Islamic Relief was among the first responders on the ground with 11 health teams based in Herat deployed to Herat Hospital and affected villages on the day the earthquake hit the province.
Our health teams are still in the area and are working with the Department of Health to continue to provide services to affected communities.

In order to step up our life-saving interventions in the coming days, Islamic Relief has launched an urgent appeal to support lifesaving aid in the aftermath of this devastating earthquake.

We are appealing for support so we can remain a lifeline for vulnerable families, as we look provide healthcare, tents, and winter survival items.

Please support our lifesaving work: donate generously to our Afghanistan Emergency Appeal now.

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