Several weeks after the devastating earthquakes in Herat province, the full extent of the destruction is now visible. The death toll is high, and the damage to infrastructure is considerable. terre des hommes has initiated emergency relief efforts: 300 families are receiving food parcels containing flour, rice, beans, and oil, along with gas stoves and cartridges, enabling them to provide for themselves. As temperatures in Afghanistan continue to drop, an additional 300 families are being provided with mattresses, blankets, and tarpaulins to create temporary shelters.

More than 20 villages were affected by the earthquake. An estimated 2,500 people have died, more than 10,000 are injured, and approximately 2,000 houses have been destroyed. Many families are now homeless and must be housed in emergency shelters, where drinking water is already scarce. There are fears that infectious diseases will spread rapidly. The economic damage and the long-term costs of reconstruction cannot currently be estimated.
 
Several non-governmental organizations have prepared recommendations for the German government on how to support the people of Afghanistan (PDF document).