Earthquake in Afghanistan leaves survivors suffering staggering health consequences

The World Health Organization warns that tens of thousands of survivors of a series of powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquakes that struck western Afghanistan’s Herat province between October 7 and 15 are in desperate need of humanitarian aid and essential health services.

According to health emergencies team lead for WHO Afghanistan, “Over 114,000 people are in urgent need of lifesaving health assistance, with the most seriously affected being women, girls, boys and the elderly, who account for over 90% of the deaths and injuries.”

According to an initial assessment by the WHO, at least 40 health facilities across nine districts were damaged, resulting in severe disruptions of health services for an estimated 580,000 people, and staggering health consequences for the already war-inflicted population.

Officials say most health services for now are provided from tents.