Incident Summary:
A 7.5 magnitude earthquake centered in Jurm district in northeastern Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province struck on the afternoon of 26 October, and was felt across the region. Initial reports indicate damaged homes and potential casualties across northern, central and eastern Afghanistan, impacting 15 provinces (130 districts) in total. Badakhshan, Nangarhar, Kunar and Nooristan provinces are the most affected. Initial reports from local authorities suggest approximately 9,274 families affected, with 98 individuals killed and 487 injured. Assessments have been completed in 117 districts and the distribution of relief items is underway for eligible families. IOM distributed relief items to approx. 3,200 families in Badakhshan, Nangarhar, Kunar, Laghman, Nooristan, Parwan, Panjsher, Kapisa and Takhar provinces while the distribution is ongoing to the assessed families in Badakhshan, Kunar, Nooristan and Kabul provinces. As majority of the assessments are concluded, the distribution of relief items to the verified families has been prioritized. As of 15 November, around 19,000 families have been verified with their main needs being identified as Non‐Food Items (NFIs), blankets, tents, hygiene kits and shelters for those whose houses are completely destroyed. Access in some of the affected areas in Badakhshan, Kunar and Nooristan remains a challenge due to difficult terrain and security concerns while efforts are made to coordinate with ARCS and other field level stakeholders to assess families in these areas. Of these verified families, more than 11,700 families are assisted.