Afghanistan Earthquake Relief Fund

International Rescue Committee (IRC)

The mission of the IRC is to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and gain control of their future.

The IRC is responding on the ground in Afghanistan by deploying mobile health teams and working with authorities to provide support, including cash assistance.

Islamic Relief USA

Islamic Relief USA provides relief and development in a dignified manner regardless of gender, race, or religion, and works to empower individuals in their communities and give them a voice in the world.

An Islamic Relief response team is heading to Paktika province, the worst affected area, and will initially provide food aid and cash so that people can buy supplies. Emergency shelter is also needed for people who have lost their homes. The worst affected areas are remote rural communities, many of which are hard to reach.

United States Fund for UNICEF

With a presence in over 190 countries and territories, UNICEF works with governments and other partners to mobilize a rapid and efficient response when disaster strikes. UNICEF is committed to reaching the most vulnerable children and families wherever they are, operating in difficult conditions and hard-to-reach places.

UNICEF is on the ground before, during and after an emergency to:

- preposition and prepare to deliver relief supplies to meet urgent needs for safe water, sanitation and hygiene, nutrition and medicine
- care for children separated from parents and help reunite them with family
- when schooling is interrupted, get kids back to learning as quickly as possible
- provide mental health and psychosocial support for children with trauma

Emergency relief supplies can be shipped anywhere within 48 to 72 hours from UNICEF’s supply hub in Copenhagen, the largest humanitarian warehouse in the world.

Care

CARE is currently running health, education and livelihoods programs in Khost province. Here, and in places experiencing disaster and crisis all over the world, CARE is concerned for the most vulnerable – pregnant and lactating women, children, and families in need of emergency aid and health care.

Statement from Dr Mohammad Anwer, Head of Health Unit – CARE Afghanistan

“The powerful earthquake that struck near Khost in southeast Afghanistan early on Wednesday morning has sadly killed hundreds of people and injured many more. We fear that aftershocks and more landslides could cause further damage and loss of life. CARE is very concerned for the most vulnerable who may not be living in the sturdiest houses. Today CARE sent a mobile health unit to the earthquake-affected area. The team comprises of a doctor, midwife and psychosocial and nutrition counselors. They will provide first aid trauma care and lifesaving primary health care to those most in need. In times of emergency, pregnant and lactating women are amongst the most vulnerable. CARE is also sending emergency relief supplies to the area and plans to scale-up its response. ”