In the aftermath of the 6.3 magnitude earthquake that struck Herat province in western Afghanistan on October 7, the World Food Program (WFP) issued a statement on Sunday outlining its commitment to assisting over 70,000 people affected by the quake.
As per official estimates, the current death toll stands at 2,000, with more than 4,000 individuals sustaining injuries and 1,400 displaced from their homes.
WFP teams based in Herat promptly initiated relief efforts, distributing high-energy biscuits to 700 affected families in Seya Aab, Koshak, and Karnil villages, many of whom have tragically lost their homes and possessions.
Ongoing assessments by WFP are underway, with preparations to provide food or cash for food purchases to reach up to 70,000 earthquake-affected people. The organization has already readied food parcels for 20,000 individuals, each parcel designed to sustain a family of seven for one month. These parcels include fortified wheat flour, vegetable oil, pulses, and salt.
Anamaria Salhuana, WFP Deputy Country Director in Afghanistan, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “This terrible earthquake is the second to hit the country in two months and comes at a time of immense humanitarian needs when 15 million people do not know where their next meal will come from.”
WFP’s programs across Afghanistan, where one-third of the population faces food insecurity, are dedicated to ensuring that individuals affected by conflicts, disasters, and climate extremes receive vital support regardless of their location.
WFP said it urgently requires $400 million to aid seven million of the most vulnerable people in surviving the upcoming months, including prepositioning food supplies in anticipation of the harsh Afghan winter, which often leads to entire communities becoming isolated.
