The World Health Organization is scaling up its emergency response after a devastating 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan’s Eastern Region on the 31st of August, killing more than 1457 people.
The tremor also left more than 3394 others seriously injured.
The numbers are expected to rise in the coming days.
Entire families have been buried under rubble.
More than 6782 homes have been destroyed, leaving thousands homeless and exposed to harsh conditions.
Hospitals are overwhelmed with the influx of severely injured patients, many in need of urgent surgery and critical medical care.
The World Health Organization (WHO)’s immediate response has included 23 metric tons of medicines and medical supplies, enough to treat more than 2000 patients, in addition to other emergency health supplies and staff delivered to health facilities in the affected provinces of Kunar, Nangarhar, Laghman and Nuristan.
Fifteen ambulances have been mobilized to transport and refer the injured and 6 mobile health teams are operating in the hardest-hit districts, providing first aid, outpatient care, maternal and child health services, vaccinations and essential medicines.
To ease the pressure on hospitals, WHO has distributed more than 24 000 units of intravenous fluids.
Seventeen surveillance teams supported by the World Health Organization are on the ground monitoring health conditions to quickly detect and respond to potential outbreaks.
“When we speak of casualties, we are speaking of families and communities in crisis,” said the WHO Deputy Representative in Afghanistan Dr Mukta Sharma.
“Our teams are working around the clock to deliver lifesaving care in areas devastated by the earthquake. The needs are immense. We urgently require more resources to sustain our operations and prevent further losses.”
Thousands of families are displaced, living in overcrowded shelters with little access to clean water and sanitation.
These conditions heighten the risk of disease outbreaks, and there is an urgent need for basic mental health and psychosocial support to address the emotional toll of the disaster.
“Every hour counts,” said WHO Health Emergency Team Lead in Afghanistan Dr Jamshed Tanoli.
“Hospitals are struggling, families are grieving, and survivors have lost everything. With timely support we can expand trauma care, prevent disease and provide vital mental health services. Without it, lives will continue to be lost.”
WHO is appealing for USD 4 million to deliver lifesaving health interventions, expand mobile health services and support water, sanitation and hygiene activities in affected districts.
With swift and sustained support from the international community, lives can be saved and vulnerable families protected in the days and weeks ahead.