Aid to Afghanistan After Herat Earthquake Must Prioritize Women and Girls

KABUL - Mercy Corps is deeply concerned at the deadly impacts of the 6.3 magnitude earthquake that struck Herat, Afghanistan, on Saturday. This disaster only compounds the multiple emergencies facing people in Afghanistan, who are suffering record levels of hunger and malnutrition amidst economic collapse. 

Early and unconfirmed reports indicate that at least 1000 people may have lost their lives, with thousands more missing or injured, and displaced by collapsed buildings across the region. While the full extent of casualties and damage is unclear as first responders are still urgently searching for survivors, recovery from this disaster must take into account the needs of, and access to affected women. 

Dayne Curry, Mercy Corps Country Director for Afghanistan, says: 

“Women and girls in these communities will face the most significant vulnerabilities as a result of this disaster. Over the last year, it has become increasingly more difficult to provide aid to women and we fear those trends will continue.”

“The humanitarian community and the local authorities must work to ensure that women affected by the disaster receive emergency aid proportionate to men, that emergency relief efforts can freely access women and girls in need, and that they have a voice in the process of rebuilding their communities in the months and years to come.”

Mercy Corps has an active presence in Herat, and is assessing needs alongside partners. The agency is committed to responding in the weeks and months to come, addressing urgent water and sanitation needs, and providing cash support to help communities rebuild and recover.

For more information please contact:

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