Afghanistan At Risk of Being Overlooked by International Community Following Unprecedented Week of Multiple Earthquakes

Afghanistan remains in a critical situation as it grapples with an unprecedented week of multiple earthquakes that has flattened villages, claimed thousands of lives, and forced tens of thousands to live in tent cities, where shelter is inadequate and water remains scarce.

Dayne Curry, Mercy Corps Country Director for Afghanistan says: 

"Tens of thousands are now dwelling in tent cities, too afraid to return home - that is, for those fortunate enough to still have a home. The tally of those requiring humanitarian assistance is estimated to be nearly 50,000 people. Over 90% of the deaths from the first earthquake a week ago were women and children, a demographic that dominates those currently in need of humanitarian assistance." 

“It is imperative that international attention and funds be urgently directed to this crisis.  The support committed to the response thus far is simply not enough to address the long recovery ahead or prepare communities for potential future shocks through long-term Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) efforts.  Despite the competing headlines, the international community must not overlook the people of Herat Province in this time of urgent need.” 

For more information please contact:

• Alexandra Bingham, Senior Media and Communications Officer (based in London) at abingham@mercycorps.org
• Kyle DeGraw, Head of Media - Europe (based in London) at kdegraw@mercycorps.org  
• Our full media team is reachable at allmediarelations@mercycorps.org