FAO's timely Response to Earthquake Devastation in Herat Province
In a recent catastrophic event, Herat province in Afghanistan was struck by a powerful earthquake. The first quake occurred on 7 October 2023 with a 6.3 magnitude temblor and was followed by several more quakes. The earthquake, which struck at a depth of approximately six miles according to the US Geological Survey, resulted in immense devastation.
Tragically, the earthquake resulted in the loss of 1 480 lives, with 1 950 people sustaining injuries. Additionally, 10 012 homes were severely destroyed, leaving 17 618 homes moderately damaged. As a result, 40 824 families found themselves displaced, residing in open spaces and informal settlements, according to OCHA reports. The earthquake also took a toll on the province's livestock and water infrastructure.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), with its local partners, immediately dispatched a response team to identify the challenges faced by livestock owners and farmers. In the districts of Zinda Jan and Injil surveyed by FAO, the earthquake resulted in the death of nearly 2 072 animals and 12 400 surviving animals that are likely to be in a weakened state as well as significant damage to water sources, animal stables, and grazing areas. Almost all victims come from rural communities engaged in farming and livestock-raising.
After speaking to the farmers, FAO decided to focus on the following critical areas: disposing of animal carcasses, providing clean drinking water and offering animal health services to surviving livestock, distributing animal feed and straw, and rehabilitating water sources. Earthquake victims said they not only need to survive now but want to rebuild their livelihoods – including healthy flocks and herds, water provision and livestock shelter – before winter hits the region.
The lack of fodder and drinkable water put nearly 2 500 animals, including sheep, goats, and cattle, at risk of perishing. FAO provided them with animal feed, wheat straw, tarpaulins, as well as drinkers, feeders, and shelters to meet their immediate needs. This prevented farmers from resorting to distress sales (selling their animals at sub-market prices before they die).
Mr. Mohammad Zahir, a livestock owner who received assistance from FAO, expressed his gratitude for the support provided. He credited the animal feed, straw, water, and health care services received from FAO for helping him save 20 of his sheep and goats. Looking ahead to the harsh winter, Mr. Zahir requested further assistance, specifically feed and shelter, to protect his animals. Although he suffered the loss of family members, a collapsed house, and deceased animals, Mr. Zahir remains optimistic. He expressed his happiness that some of his animals survived and stated his determination to rebuild his life and restore his animal keeping the same he had before the earthquake.
Recognizing the importance of preventing the spread of diseases, FAO took on the challenging task of burying animal carcasses together with volunteers from the Provincial department of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock. Global standards for environmental protection were adhered to while safely removing and disposing of 1 454 dead animal carcasses from the worst-hit areas. FAO provided veterinary services to 1 393 animals to ensure the health of remaining livestock.
Water was a critical concern, and FAO provided 12 000 liters of water for nearly 2 100 animals in three villages in the first days after the quake. As a more durable solution, two collapsed Karizes (underground water channels) were unblocked in Chahak and Naieb Rafi villages.
Looking ahead, FAO has developed a plan to extend its immediate assistance to over 4 000 livestock owners, benefiting a total of 28 000 people residing in the earthquake-affected districts of Herat over the next three months.
Although our means are limited and the numbers of victims reached quite modest, FAO’s activities have a significant and wide-ranging impact. They demonstrate that restoring livelihoods by providing agrifood production tools as requested by the beneficiaries is a valid response to humanitarian emergencies, alongside the distribution of aid. FAO’s community-driven, expert-led provision of assistance can be seen as an investment in rural economic stability and growth even in periods of acute distress.