Over 2,000 dead feared after severe earthquake in Afghanistan – Caritas supports emergency aid with donations

2023-10-08 08:51:26

Foreign Aid Secretary General Knapp: “Hundreds of people are injured, thousands of people are at risk of becoming homeless. We have to help as quickly as possible.”

Vienna (OTS) – The extent of the destruction caused by the earthquakes that occurred on Saturday morning in the western border region near Iran is not yet clear. However, one thing is clear: help is urgently needed. The quake, with a magnitude between 4.6 and 6.3, occurred northwest of the Afghan border town of Herat. Afghanistan’s civil protection agency fears over 2,000 deaths after the strong tremors. According to authorities, several villages have been completely destroyed. Numerous other victims are suspected to be under the rubble. The earthquake left thousands of people homeless and urgently need help. The authorities fear that the number of victims will continue to rise.

Caritas Foreign Aid Secretary General Andreas Knapp: “We are currently in close contact with our local partners and are evaluating the situation. The extent of the disaster is not yet clear. But the situation is dramatic, especially with a view to winter. Colleagues on site tell us that people are waiting outside. We will provide assistance as quickly as possible. The most necessary things are now needed: drinking water, food, medical care and emergency shelter. Every minute counts to save lives.”

The earthquake hits Afghanistan in a catastrophic situation; last year there were over 1,000 earthquake victims. Caritas is also monitoring the situation since the Taliban seized power again in August 2021 with great concern. Since then, the humanitarian situation has continued to deteriorate. There is a shortage of food and water in the affected areas, and the situation is particularly dire for vulnerable groups such as women, children and the elderly.

Caritas has been working in Afghanistan since 2002 and, thanks to donations, primarily supports vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities, women and children.

Donations make the difference
In order to best support the affected people and the local Caritas network partner organizations with emergency aid, every donation counts. “We are urgently asking for donations to enable emergency relief in Afghanistan. This help benefits the injured and traumatized residents of the earthquake areas and alleviates their suffering!” appeals Andreas Knapp.

Donation option for disaster relief in the earthquake zone:

Caritas.at/erdbeben-afghanistan
and

Caritas Austria

Erste Bank: IBAN AT23 2011 1000 0123 4560

BIC GIBAATWWXXX

Password: Earthquake Afghanistan

Questions & Contact:

Caritas Austria
Mag.a (FH) Katharina Häckel-Schinkinger
Head of Communications and Fundraising
Tel: [phone]
[e-mail]
www.caritas.at

1696755623
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