UNICEF warns of fragile recovery for survivors one year after Western Afghanistan earthquake

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reports that families slowly return to normal life a year after the earthquakes in western Afghanistan, but progress remains “fragile.”

UNICEF has called for additional support to meet the essential needs of children and strengthen community resilience in Herat.

The devastating earthquakes in Herat last year October claimed hundreds of lives and displaced thousands of families. On Monday, October 7, UNICEF released a statement warning that “winter is approaching, and the community’s resilience is still weak, which could reverse recovery efforts and place further strain on individuals.”

UNICEF emphasized that as winter nears, providing necessary services and resources to children and families affected by the earthquake is more critical than ever. The organization warned that the gains made so far could be undone without continued support, putting vulnerable children at even greater risk.

According to UNICEF, last year’s 6.3 magnitude earthquakes in Herat disrupted the lives of 48,000 families, resulting in the deaths of 1,480 people and injuring nearly 2,000 others.

In response to the crisis, UNICEF has provided essential services, including healthcare, clean drinking water, emergency cash assistance, and psychosocial support to 96,000 affected children. Over the past year, the organization has also prioritized restoring water systems, classrooms, healthcare, and nutrition services for children in the hardest-hit areas.

Recently, survivors of the Herat earthquakes expressed dissatisfaction with the newly constructed homes, telling the Associated Press that their houses remain vulnerable to storms and rain.

As winter approaches, the fragile progress in recovery efforts for the affected communities in Herat highlights the urgent need for continued international support. Without sustained aid, the vulnerable children and families in these earthquake-impacted areas could face further hardships, making it essential to prioritize their well-being during this critical period.

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