12 October 2023 – A powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquake that struck the western region of Afghanistan on 7 October 2023 caused widespread devastation in a country facing one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises. Women, children and vulnerable populations are gravely affected by the disaster.
WHO’s Country Office in Kabul and field office in Herat rapidly mobilized resources and extended immediate life-saving support for the affected population. WHO and 19 health partners were on the ground within a few hours of the earthquake, providing healthcare services to the affected populations.