One hundred days after earthquakes struck western Afghanistan, the United Nations’ children agency on Monday called for greater support for over 96,000 children affected by the disaster, especially as a crippling winter grips the country.

Over 1,000 people, most of whom were women and children, lost their lives in Afghanistan’s earthquakes in October. In addition, 21,000 homes were destroyed, and countless families lost livelihoods, livestock and crops, UNICEF said in a statement.

Three months on, the impact of Herat’s earthquakes lingers, with many families still living in tents or sleeping in the open despite the biting cold.
To make matters worse, Herat province is now gripped by a harsh winter, threatening lives and slowing efforts to rebuild, the statement said.

“The atmosphere in these villages is thick with suffering even 100 days after the earthquakes in western Afghanistan when families lost absolutely everything. Children are still trying to cope with the loss and trauma. Schools and health centres, which children depend upon, are damaged beyond repair or destroyed completely,” said Fran Equiza, UNICEF Representative in Afghanistan.
“As if this was not enough, winter has taken hold and temperatures hover below freezing. Children and families without homes live in life-threatening conditions at night, with no way to heat their temporary shelters.”

UNICEF said that it has offered assistance to quake victims, but much more is needed as winter’s freezing temperatures exacerbate hardships.

Many families have been unable to rebuild their homes. They urgently need healthcare, clean water and proper sanitation to prevent diseases spreading and halt further suffering.
In addition, families who have lost livelihoods and crops are at risk from hunger and malnutrition, according to UNICEF.

“We are grateful to our donor partners who mobilized resources quickly, enabling UNICEF to respond within days to the urgent needs of children and their families in Herat,” added Equiza.
“But thousands still need our help. UNICEF is concerned about the survival of 96,000 children affected by the earthquakes if we are not able to provide the services they need to recover. We count on continued support to ensure that children not only survive the winter but have a chance to thrive in the months and years to come.”