Herat Earthquake Joint Response

Due to the earthquakes that have affected more than 114,000 people (UN OCHA) emergency healthcare (incl. SRH-E, SGBV and MHPSS), FSL, temporary shelter, WASH and protection for the most vulnerable populations are among the most crucial needs identified. Based on ongoing needs assessments and CARE’s ability to provide immediate response due to pre-existing infrastructure, CARE will be focusing on Health and FSL in Zindajan district. Zindajan district is the epicenter of the earthquake and one of the worst-affected areas with 1294 deaths, 1688 injuries and 100 percent of homes destroyed. More than 40 health facilities were damaged and remaining health facilities and the regional hospital are overwhelmed. There is a need for essential health services and referrals. As outlined in the GIHA Gender-Alert the specific needs of women and children are particularly dire, and there are additional gaps in SRH-E and child-care, SGBV survivor services and MHPSS. As co-lead of the Health Cluster, CARE is coordinating with other partners to ensure complementarity and geographical divide in order to fill gaps. CARE is planning to establish 5 temporary Family Health Houses (FHH) in Qasr-e-Shirin, Kariz New, Sang e Safid, Qale Qazi, Jigda, Qale Sayed, Cheshme Ahmad and Sarboland villages of Zindajan district to cover a population of more than 10,000 beneficiaries with PHC, SRH-E, MHPSS, and support to SGBV survivors. Also, to address the pressing issue of food insecurity in Zindajan district particularly in the light of upcoming winter months, the project will provide: (1) cash for food assistance to 200 households (HH), encompassing 1400 individuals; (2) small livestock to rebuild livelihoods, generate an income and contribute to food security for 150 HH; and (3) Kitchen Gardens at Small Plots (100-150m2) to female farmers (100 women-led HHs). After assessing market functionality, CARE has decided to utilise cash-based programming to meet the food needs of the affected populations.