Following the series of devastating earthquakes that struck some districts in Herat province, the humanitarian community has swiftly mobilized to provide aid and assistance to the affected communities.
This article aims to guide individuals impacted by the series of earthquakes, providing essential information about the ongoing relief efforts, available humanitarian assistance, and how to access support in Herat province, Afghanistan.
Immediate Response and Coordination
The humanitarian community, in close collaboration with the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority (ANDMA), initiated a rapid response to assess the impact and urgent needs of the affected areas. Joint assessment teams, comprising organizations such as World Food Programme (WFP), International Organization for Migration (IOM), Danish Refugee Council (DRC), International Rescue Committee (IRC), and HELP Germany, were immediately deployed to affected villages, kickstarting the response efforts.
Types of Aid and Assistance
As of October 10th, the ongoing response efforts include various forms of aid and assistance, such as:
- Provision of health services, casualty evacuation, and health assessments through deployed teams equipped with health response kits, ambulances, relief supplies, and Mobile Health Teams (MHTs).
- Deployment of emergency Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) response teams to ensure clean water and sanitary conditions.
- Deployment of psychosocial support counselors to address emotional and mental well-being.
- Provision of shelter and Non-Food Items (NFIs), including family tents, blankets, tarpaulins, and kitchen sets.
- Distribution of dignity kits to support personal hygiene.
- Distribution of High Energy Biscuits (HEB), Ready to Use Supplementary Food (RUSF), and cash assistance to meet immediate nutritional needs.
How can I access Aid and Assistance?
Assistance is granted solely on the basis of need, with priority given to the most urgent cases of distress. There is no discrimination in providing support to affected individuals.
Individuals or households without identification documents can still access assistance. WFP partners on the ground will handle such cases, ensuring unhindered and timely access to aid.
If you are a woman or belong to a female-headed household and encounter difficulties accessing distribution points, you have various options:
- Contact WFP at 0790 55 55 44 (toll-free, Sunday to Thursday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.). Your call will be confidential, and your information will remain secure.
- Send an email to wfp.afg@wfp.org and explain your needs.
- Inform the staff present at the distribution point or report the situation to the help desk. They will assist you accordingly.
- For access issues unrelated to WFP or food, contact AWAAZ at 410 (toll-free, every day, 7 a.m.–7 p.m.).
In case of disabilities, accessing aid and assistance can be facilitated through the following channels:
- Contact WFP at 0790 55 55 44 (toll-free, Sunday to Thursday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.). Confidentiality and data security are ensured.
- Seek support from WFP partner staff or field monitors and TPMs in your affected areas.
- If you require support beyond food assistance, reach out to other agencies deployed in the area. Contact AWAAZ toll-free (every day, 7 a.m.–7 p.m.) for further assistance.
WFP is actively responding in the affected locations. If your community has not yet been reached by any humanitarian partner, contact WFP at 0790 55 55 44 (toll-free, Sunday to Thursday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.). Confidentiality of your information is guaranteed. Food assistance is available at Herat Regional Hospital and Ansar IDP Camp.
Timely Support
Help arrived promptly following the series of devasting earthquakes commencing on the evening of October 7th. The assistance will continue as long as necessary, depending on funding availability, to support the earthquake-affected communities with response and recovery operations.
Finding Missing Family Members
To find missing family members, contact the Shelter/Camp Coordination and Management Cluster and the Protection Cluster. Local DFA hotline numbers, such as 119, can also provide assistance.
Conclusion
In the wake of the earthquakes in Herat province, Afghanistan, the humanitarian community has mobilized swiftly to provide aid and assistance to affected communities. This guide aims to inform individuals impacted by the earthquake about the ongoing relief efforts, available assistance, and how to access support. The collective efforts of organizations such as WFP, IOM, DRC, IRC, and HELP Germany, along with the coordination of the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority (ANDMA), ensure a comprehensive response to address immediate needs and facilitate recovery.
Remember, support is available, and no one will be discriminated against in receiving assistance. Stay informed, reach out for help, and know that the humanitarian community is committed to supporting you during this challenging time.
Ask for help from "Beporsed"
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For more information
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