A powerful earthquake has hit southeastern Afghanistan, with early reports of over 1000 deaths and many more injured. This is amidst large-scale destruction.
UNHCR, The UN Refugee Agency, has deployed staff to the most affected areas in Pakitika and Khost provinces from its field office in Gardez. Currently, the focus is on search and rescue operations to find survivors. There are fears that more lives could be lost if survivors are not reached urgently in remote parts of the country.
This tragedy adds to the suffering and displacement already endured by thousands of Afghans, whose country is plagued by a humanitarian crisis, violence and insecurity. More than 3.5 million people are internally displaced, and the number of people forced to flee continues to grow.
Switzerland for UNHCR is closely monitoring the situation and will share any operational updates as they become available.
It is heartbreaking to see this tragedy unfolding in Afghanistan, in addition to the ongoing humanitarian crisis that Afghans face every day,
said Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees.
Your donation can provide emergency assistance to internally displaced people in Afghanistan, and year-round support to refugees forced to flee to neighbouring countries.