Human Appeal, one of the UK’s fastest growing humanitarian charities, announced that it is increasing its relief efforts for the survivors of Afghanistan’s worst earthquake in two decades. 

The Herat region of Afghanistan has been struck by three earthquakes in the space of a week since the first 6.3 magnitude quake hit on 7 October. The death toll is estimated at over 2,000 and more urgent humanitarian assistance is needed. 

This tragedy was overshadowed by other global emergencies that coincided and has received little coverage so far, meaning most of the world’s public are still unaware.

Human Appeal has launched an emergency appeal and is coordinating relief efforts focussing on food, water, hygiene and shelter. Hot meals have already started being distributed along with tents vitally needed by homeless families.

More than 500 people are still missing and 1,320 homes have been damaged or destroyed.

Local officials say that at least 20 villages have been flattened. With aftershocks still rocking Herat, life-saving aid is needed as soon as possible.

Already poor road networks and mobile phone towers have also been devastated making rescue efforts more challenging.

One of Human Appeal’s partner volunteers in Herat confirmed, “We are struggling with the very high number of injured people. The morgue is out of capacity.”

Human Appeal will be distributing tents to shelter families displaced by the earthquakes. These tents will offer temporary protection from the onset of winter in the remote mountain areas that have been impacted.