Families in western Afghanistan, who have lost everything to a series of devastating earthquakes, need urgent assistance to withstand the harsh winter, the UN relief wing reported on Friday.
Temperatures have already started to drop into single figures.
With about two-thirds of the affected areas assessed, more than 21,500 homes are confirmed destroyed and a further 17,000 severely damaged, according to the UN humanitarian affairs coordination office (OCHA). Over 154,000 people have been impacted.
Critical psychosocial support
That number includes about 7,500 pregnant women, many of whom lost family members.
The deaths of their loved ones has taken a devastating toll, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) said.
The agency has deployed psychosocial counsellors to help them cope with overwhelming loss.
“They need someone to listen to them and help them cope with their trauma,” said counsellor Faiza Zarie, adding that the availability of psychosocial support is critical.
Tweet URL
Women also face other challenges – heightened risks of preventable maternal death, gender-based violence and hunger.
UNFPA is working to address reproductive health needs. It issued a funding appeal for $11.6 million to continue delivering life-saving sexual and reproductive health supplies and services.
Health facilities, workers affected
Access to medical care has also been severely affected, with at least 40 facilities reported damaged, a region that was already largely deprived of essential health services before the disaster.
The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that services for about 580,000 people have been severely disrupted.
“Health workers are also affected by the disaster – either from loss of family members or from fear of collapsing health facilities, which makes it even harder for them to provide the health care their communities need,” Alaa AbouZeid, WHO team leader emergencies in Afghanistan, told reporters in Geneva, from Kabul.
“The health consequences are staggering,” she added
The UN agency has been one of the first responders on the ground, supporting hospitals with medicines and supplies and organizing mobile health and nutrition teams.
Sustaining health services will require extra resources, and WHO and partners have launched an appeal for $7.9 million to provide support for the next six months.
Elliot is an award-winning journalist passionate about international affairs and humanitarian causes. Elliot has covered stories from conflict zones and areas devastated by disasters, highlighting critical global issues.
It is heartbreaking to hear about the devastating impact of the earthquakes in Afghanistan. Families are in urgent need of assistance to survive the harsh winter. The provision of psychosocial support is crucial for those who have suffered such immense loss. The UNFPA’s efforts to address reproductive health needs are commendable and must be supported.
It’s heartbreaking to hear about the devastating impact of the earthquakes on families in Afghanistan. The urgent assistance and psychosocial support are crucial in helping these vulnerable communities cope and rebuild their lives.
How can we ensure that the urgent assistance reaches the families in western Afghanistan swiftly to help them endure the upcoming harsh winter?
To ensure swift delivery of urgent assistance to families in western Afghanistan for the harsh winter, coordination among humanitarian organizations and local authorities is crucial. By streamlining logistics, enhancing communication channels, and prioritizing the most vulnerable groups, we can better reach those in need in a timely manner. Collaboration and dedication are key to making a significant impact in these challenging circumstances.
It’s heart-wrenching to hear about the families affected by the earthquakes in Afghanistan. The urgent need for assistance is undeniable, especially as the harsh winter approaches. The psychosocial support provided by organizations like UNFPA is crucial in helping these women cope with their trauma and loss. Let’s hope more resources are allocated to support these vulnerable communities.
It’s heartbreaking to hear about the devastating impact of the Afghanistan earthquakes on families in the region. Urgent assistance is crucial to help them survive the harsh winter ahead. Women, especially pregnant ones, are facing immense challenges and need support to cope with their losses and trauma. The UNFPA’s efforts to provide psychosocial support and address reproductive health needs are commendable.
Families in western Afghanistan facing the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes urgently require assistance as winter approaches. The impact of the natural disasters has left many homeless and vulnerable. It’s crucial to provide psychosocial support, especially to pregnant women who have suffered immense loss. Gender-specific challenges such as maternal health risks and violence need to be addressed promptly. The efforts of organizations like UNFPA in offering support are commendable and essential during such crises.
It’s heartbreaking to read about the families in Afghanistan devastated by earthquakes. The urgent assistance they need during the harsh winter cannot be underestimated. We must all come together to support them in this difficult time.
How can we contribute to providing urgent assistance for families affected by the devastating earthquakes in western Afghanistan?
EmilyJohnson, there are various ways to contribute to providing urgent assistance for the families affected by the devastating earthquakes in western Afghanistan. You can donate to reputable organizations involved in relief efforts, volunteer your time and skills, or help raise awareness about the situation to encourage more support. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, can make a difference in helping these families rebuild their lives.
Can you provide more details on the specific actions being taken to support pregnant women in western Afghanistan during this crisis?
It’s heartbreaking to hear about the devastating impact of the earthquakes in Afghanistan. Families are in urgent need of assistance to survive the harsh winter. The psychosocial support provided by organizations like UNFPA is crucial for helping those affected cope with their trauma and loss. Women facing additional challenges must be supported to prevent maternal deaths, gender-based violence, and hunger. Urgent action is needed to help rebuild lives and communities.
Can the UN relief efforts also include measures to provide safe shelter and warm clothing for the affected families in Afghanistan?