A 6.0 magnitude earthquake has struck in Kunar and Jalalabad, eastern Afghanistan, with an estimated 800 casualties already reported and destruction across the region.
Graham Davidson, CARE Afghanistan Director, says:
CARE is deeply saddened by the loss of lives caused by this earthquake, which strikes a country already facing lack of global support for a severe humanitarian crisis. Nearly half of the population of Afghanistan – 23 million people – is already reliant on humanitarian aid, and yet the Humanitarian Response Plan is only 28 percent funded.
"CARE Afghanistan and our local partners are working to reach communities affected by the earthquake, including in areas that are the most cut off and difficult to access. Many roads are blocked, forcing assessment teams to walk for four to five hours to reach survivors. We are conducting rapid needs assessments to understand the scale of impact and determine the best way to help those affected and are preparing to provide emergency assistance when possible.
"We are especially concerned for women and girls, whose safety and well-being face heightened risks in this crisis. Ongoing restrictions continue to limit their access to life-saving services, leaving them among the most vulnerable in the aftermath of the quake.
"Our hearts are once again with all Afghans affected by this disaster.”
Afghanistan Earthquake: How you can help
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