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Published on 25 April 2024

In September 2023 three earthquakes struck the Herat region of Afghanistan claiming 1500 lives, injuring more than 2600 and causing widespread destruction.

Christian Aid launched an emergency response and thanks to funding from the Scottish Government’s Humanitarian Emergency Fund communities in 3 remote villages in Gulran District have been reached with multi-purpose cash grants. 

The earthquakes struck just a few days apart, with a number of aftershocks following. Many people slept outside for days, too frightened to sleep inside. It’s estimated nearly 50 thousand homes were damaged, with about 20 percent destroyed completely. 

According to a report by the UN there are concerns that the earthquake impacted an area of Afghanistan already hosting large numbers of displaced people, with resilience very low for enduring further shocks. 

Working with our local partner over 1800 people received the cash grants, allowing them to buy blankets, warm clothes, food, medicines and other essentials during the colder winter months. 

Head of Christian Aid Scotland Val Brown said:  

The Scottish Government funding allowed us to scale up our response and reach those in more remote locations, who may otherwise have been forgotten. Our local partner says they were able to support families, including 93 women-headed households, who’ve lost their home and all their possessions. The cash grants allowed them to meet their immediate needs, as they start rebuilding their lives.

- Val Brown, Head of Christian Aid Scotland.
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Our local partner assesses the needs of residents impacted by the earthquakes in Gulran District, Afghanistan. Christian Aid. Credit: Christian Aid
Our local partner assesses the needs of residents impacted by the earthquakes in Gulran District, Afghanistan
Our local partner assesses the needs of residents impacted by the earthquakes in Gulran District, Afghanistan.

Christian Aid has worked in Afghanistan for over 30 years and this long-term presence and network of local partners has enabled the Scottish Government’s funds to be distributed efficiently while maintaining transparency and accountability.

Scottish Government Humanitarian Emergency Fund

Our work in Afghanistan is supported by the Scottish Government Humanitarian Emergency Fund.

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Scottish Government Logo.
Logo for the Scottish Government