Following the 5.9 magnitude earthquake that struck Afghanistan early yesterday, officials are reporting that nearly 1,000 people have been killed and many more are injured. UNHCR is rushing supplies to the field and has deployed teams to assess the situation as search and rescue operations continue.
The earthquake struck Paktika and Khost provinces in the south-east of the country, where tens of thousands of people have already been displaced by conflict.
Tragically, this is the latest in a series of emergencies to strike Afghanistan, with displaced people among the worst-affected.
“It is heart-breaking to see this tragedy unfolding in Afghanistan on top of the ongoing humanitarian crisis that Afghans are going through every day…UNHCR stands with Afghans at this difficult time and will make all efforts to provide relief to those affected. This tragedy highlights once again that Afghans need and deserve the world’s solidarity and support.” - Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees
UNHCR has been on the ground in Afghanistan for four decades and we continue to deliver life-saving aid, shelter and protection to people forced to flee, but we cannot do it alone.
Your donation can provide emergency shelter, food, water, and hygiene and sanitation supplies for Afghans facing emergency after emergency.
We will update you with more information as we receive updates from colleagues on the ground. In the meantime, thank you for keeping the people of Afghanistan in your thoughts.
