What is the situation in Herat now?

Today, Herat is still experiencing aftershocks, which is unsettling for everyone. According to data from the Ministry of Public Health and Herat Regional Hospital, there have been 2,445 reported deaths and 2,440 injuries in Herat Province so far. However, as you can imagine in situations like this, data is hard to verify and figures may change. 

As of today, over 540 patients have been treated at Herat Regional Hospital where MSF teams supporting, and other patients have been treated in private hospitals.

Most of the injured are women and children, likely because when the earthquake hit mid-morning, they were the ones at home.

What is MSF doing?

Yesterday morning, there were still 340 patients in the regional hospital, mostly classified as being in mild to moderate condition. Many are in the tents set up by MSF because even though they could be discharged they don’t have homes to return to. The authorities are looking into how to accommodate them. 

MSF teams in different parts of Afghanistan sent additional supplies two days ago. Our team in Herat also donated mass casualty medical supplies to the regional hospital, enough to treat 400 people. 

An MSF team made up of operational, medical and logistical staff left yesterday to assess some of the most-affected areas outside of the city and to provide medical first-aid. 

What will happen next?

MSF teams continue to be very busy and will continue to support the Herat Regional Hospital. Our response will be adapted if needed, as the situation becomes clearer both in the city and in the districts. The most immediate need at the hospital right now is to find shelter for those people who have lost everything.