UNITED NATIONS: The relief wing of the United Nations Saturday called for “urgent” assistance for Afghan families in Herat, who have lost everything to a series of devastating earthquakes, as temperatures dropped into single digits.
With about two-thirds of the affected areas assessed, more than 21,500 homes are confirmed destroyed and a further 17,000 severely damaged, according to the UN Humanitarian Affairs Coordination Office (OCHA). Over 154,000 people have been impacted.
That number includes about 7,500 pregnant women, many of whom lost family members. The deaths of their loved ones have taken a devastating toll, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) said The agency has deployed psychosocial counsellors to help them cope with overwhelming loss.
They need someone to listen to them and help them cope with their trauma, said counsellor Faiza Zarie, adding that the availability of psychosocial support is critical. Women also face other challenges heightened risks of preventable maternal death, gender-based violence and hunger. UNFPA is working to address reproductive health needs. –Agencies
