The HALO Trust's Afghanistan Earthquake Response

At 01.30 on June 22nd, a devastating 5.9 magnitude earthquake struck central Afghanistan—focused on Paktika and Khost provinces. Early estimates say 1,000 people have been killed and 1,500 injured, but these numbers will likely rise. In Gayan, at the heart of the quake, our team is describing widespread destruction.

HALO was the first responder to this emergency. Three of our teams working in a neighboring province were able to reach Spera district in Khost the same day, providing urgent medical care to the injured.

The next day, a convoy departed HALO's Kabul compound transporting excavators, usually used for mine clearance, to help open up access routes cut off by the earthquake. We followed up with a convoy of ambulances and medical teams into Paktika province and started establishing a hub in the district of Gayan. We now have over 100 HALO staff on the ground providing emergency relief.

As hundreds of families find themselves homeless, our team is providing essential supplies including food, bottled cooking gas, and cooking kits. Through Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, HALO has been bringing tents, medical supplies, and food into Paktika province.

The affected region is a remote borderland area, and relief efforts are being hampered by lack of access and stretched resources. With our extensive logistics capacity, HALO will ensure help can reach those in need. We have one of the largest ambulance fleets in the country and stocks of medical supplies. HALO also has the logistics capacity to supply other humanitarian operators with generators, fuel, and water supplies.

In the coming days, HALO will continue to provide support through food assistance, cooking supplies, and medical assistance. In coordination with other partners we will also support the establishment of field hospitals and through the use of our machinery, enable access through road clearance.

HALO has worked in Afghanistan since 1988, clearing landmines and explosives from the conflict. HALO’s presence in country, our medical training, and our logistics chain has meant we were able to mobilize quickly and offer immediate support to those most in need. However much more still needs to be done.