Communities searching for loved ones amidst the rubble of Sunday’s 6.0 earthquake in Afghanistan today suffered further devastation, this time with a new seismic shock in the northeast of the country.
Tearfund is appealing for funds to be able to support communities affected by providing clean water, emergency shelter and food.
Solomon Cornelius, Tearfund’s Country Director for Afghanistan said:
‘Tearfund’s partners are navigating the difficult mountainous terrain to be able to reach communities cut off by landslides. Ahmad*, 42, was sleeping outside when the earthquake struck. He saw the roof of his house suddenly fall in on his two daughters sleeping inside. Alongside the practical needs for emergency shelter and food, there is also a need for compassion and support for people like Ahmad who have lost family and friends in this deadly earthquake.’
Sunday’s earthquake has already left more than 1,400 people dead and many thousands more injured. Many villages have been completely destroyed and roads are damaged or blocked by rockfall. In some places people are having to dig their relatives out of the rubble with their bare hands.
Tearfund’s partners are working to access these areas and provide cash assistance, health support, food, water and emergency shelter. In the longer term people will need support to recover lost livelihoods and businesses.
To donate to Tearfund’s appeal please go to www.tearfund.org/afghanistan
*Name has been changed for protection.
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Notes to Editors:
To arrange an interview with one of our spokespeople for Afghanistan, please contact Esther Trewinnard on 07783 409045 or email [email protected]. For out of hours inquiries call 07929 335 606 or [email protected].
To support Tearfund’s appeal please visit tearfund.org/afghanistan.
- £18 could provide three families with clean water and sanitation for a month.
- £49 could provide a family with emergency shelter for a month.
- £120 could provide two families with food for a month.
