Rising from the Rubble: Urgent Aid Needed for Herat, Afghanistan Earthquake Victims

On Saturday morning, October 7th, 2023, the earth trembled with unimaginable force in Herat province, Afghanistan. A powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquake rocked the region, shattering homes, lives, and dreams. As we stand together in the face of this tragedy, Shelter For Life International urges you to join us in extending a helping hand to those in dire need.

The Devastation:

The quake’s epicenter struck several villages surrounding the province of Herat, reducing countless residential houses and buildings to rubble. The chaos didn’t end there; powerful aftershocks followed, leaving survivors trembling in fear as the world around them crumbled.

According to reports from the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority (ANDMA) and the Department of Public Health in Herat, the toll is heartbreaking. Thousands have lost their lives, and over 9,240 people, including children, women, the elderly, and young people, have been injured. Families have been torn apart, with some losing every member due to collapsing roofs. The death toll is expected to rise as the situation unfolds.

The Plight of the Survivors:

In the aftermath of this disaster, survivors find themselves without shelter, without food, and without hope. They are living in the open, exposed to the elements, and the clock is ticking. ANDMA is working tirelessly to provide cooked food for the affected within 48 hours, but the challenges are immense.

Immediate Needs:

  • ANDMA: Providing cooked food for the next 48 hours.

Critical Gaps:

  • Food Packages: The survivors require sustenance for several months.
  • Temporary Shelter: A roof over their heads is essential.
  • Hygiene Kits, Clean Water, and Latrines: Basic necessities for maintaining health and dignity.
  • Kitchen Essentials: To prepare and store food.
  • Winter Kits: As winter approaches, warm clothing and shelter become paramount.

Your Action Matters:

The people of Herat need us now more than ever. Your support can be a lifeline for those who have lost everything. By contributing to Shelter For Life International, you’re making an immediate impact on the ground, helping families rebuild their lives.

In the face of adversity, humanity shines brightest when we come together to support one another. Herat, Afghanistan, is counting on us to help them rise from the rubble, to find hope amidst despair. Let’s stand in solidarity with the earthquake victims, extend our hearts and hands, and make a difference in their lives. Donate today and be a beacon of hope in their darkest hour. Together, we can rebuild Herat, one brick at a time.

Go to https://shelter.org/donate/ to donate, place Earthquake Victims in the note line.

#AfghanEarthquakeRelief #HelpHerat

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Mustafa Omar, CEO

Mustafa Omar
Chief Executive Officer

Mustafa Omar has worked for Shelter For Life International in the field and Headquarters management positions; managing projects, leading new business development, and guiding operations around the world. Mr. Omar was born and raised in Kabul, Afghanistan and has worked in post-conflict reconstruction, Disaster Risk Reduction caused by human or natural phenomena, and market-revitalization efforts in Central Asia, East and West Africa, Europe, and Middle East for the past twenty (20) plus years. Mustafa holds graduate degrees in business administration and urban planning and is working on a PhD at the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution at George Mason University. Topics of research and professional interest include Market Resilience and Social Risk-Management, Influence of Environmental Degradation on Fragile Markets, Impact of Improving Physical Space on Lasting Peace, and the Interaction between Modern Governance and Informal Market Structures.

Gordon Wright
Vice Chairman

Gordon A. Wright is Founder and President of over 40 years with JIMI International and is an Elder at Tulsa Christian Fellowship. Mr. Wright owned and operated a lawn and tree service business for nearly 15 years. Mr. Wright also served with the US Army for three years in the 1960s.Two of Mr. Wright’s years were spent in South Korea as a Brigade Intelligence Sergeant. Mr. Wright has provided mentoring and counseling to spiritual leaders around the world; with specific attention to individuals in Russia, Ukraine and former Soviet Bloc countries. Mr. Wright helped to found and direct East/West Resources International and Global Assistance Partners International. Mr. Wright has served as one of the original founding board of directors for Shelter For Life International. Born in Erie, Pennsylvania, Gordon grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and currently resides in Tulsa, Oklahoma.