In early October, Herat was hit by multiple devastating earthquakes that affected 2.2 million people, leaving families vulnerable to weather, health issues, and other protection hazards as they live in makeshift shelters or informal settlement sites. Alongside other humanitarian actors, Save the Children is on the ground and providing emergency assistance to the most affected children and their families. 

Our efforts have included providing families with emergency cash grants to help them buy materials to rebuild their homes and other urgent supplies, such as food and clean water, and to pay for medical care. Our Food Security and Livelihoods team has completed three rounds of Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance distribution for 849 households in Zinda Jan, Injil, Karukh, Gulran, Ghurian districts of Herat to help families meet urgent needs. We plan to complete the remaining 155 households in the coming days. 

In addition to addressing immediate needs, Save the Children has focused on child protection issues by establishing six Child-Friendly Spaces (CFSs)in affected districts (1 Zinda Jan, 3 Injil, 2 Ghorian), and distributing psychosocial support kits (towels, puzzle game, tennis ball, ballons, building blocks, etc.) to more than 1,600 households, covering 24 communities in Herat. Mental Health and Psychosocial Support and Psychological First Aid (PFA) have been provided for the affected communities, including group counseling sessions for children and training for adults. 

Save the Children's emergency response in Herat Province is addressing the immediate and long-term needs of the affected population, particularly women and children. We are committed to ensuring the well-being of vulnerable populations in crises and will continue our efforts to support the recovery and resilience of the communities impacted by the earthquakes.