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Covering the earthquake response in Afghanistan

Case Study: Cordaid

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In the wake of the earthquake's devastation in Zinda Jan, Herat, a collaborative effort has emerged to rebuild homes and restore hope. Through the tireless dedication of humanitarian organizations and local volunteers, new foundations are laid, and walls rise where destruction once reigned. Together, we stand committed to the long-term recovery of this resilient community, ensuring that every family has a safe and dignified place to call home once again.

Photo: Sayed Aman Sadat / Cordaid / Fairpicture

Brief

This project came in as a short notice request as the client itself wasn’t able to fly to Afghanistan due to heavy rains causing floods in the United Arab Emirates in April 2024. So Fairpicture teamed up Cordaid Editor Mickael Franci with our photographer Sayed Aman Sadat in order to produce a documentary in photos and text about the first 6 months of the humanitarian response after the Herat earthquake in last October 2023.

The focus was on humanitarian staff, participating in the joint response of the Dutch Relief Alliance partners (Cordaid, CARE, World Vision and Terres des Hommes). The materials needed to be journalistic and documentary-style. Cordaid also required interviews with the portrayed people, both humanitarians and people affected by the earthquake.

Client

Cordaid

Visual Creator

Sayed Aman Sadat

Theme

Humanitarian Aid

Locations

Herat, Afghanistan

Date

September 2024

The earthquake that struck Zinda Jan District of Herat province left a trail of devastation in its wake, transforming once-thriving communities into scenes of rubble and despair. Homes collapsed, roads buckled, and essential infrastructure crumbled under the force of nature's fury. The earthquake's impact was not only physical but also deeply emotional, leaving residents grappling with loss, trauma, and uncertainty about the future. In the aftermath of the disaster, the people of Zinda Jan showed remarkable resilience, banding together to support one another amidst the chaos and destruction. Amidst the ruins, a sense of hope emerged as humanitarian organizations like World Vision and Cordaid swiftly mobilized to provide aid, offering critical medical assistance, shelter, and essential supplies to help the community begin the long process of recovery and rebuilding.

Photo: Sayed Aman Sadat / Cordaid / Fairpicture

Context

Three 6.3 magnitude earthquakes rocked Herat Province in October 2023, impacting over 100,000 people and destroying 100 percent of all the homes in the worst-affected areas. By mid-October, more than 1,300 people were reported killed and 1,800 injured. A series of subsequent aftershocks compelled people to seek refuge in open spaces, makeshift tents, or informal sites, exposing them to health and protection risks.

The earthquakes struck Afghanistan during an ongoing humanitarian crisis following the Taliban takeover in 2021, and existing aid groups were experiencing a lack of funds prior to the disaster. Cordaid is providing needs-based emergency relief and early recovery assistance to those affected by conflict or natural disasters, with special care for women, children, the elderly, the disabled and the chronically ill.

Faipicture photographer Sayed met Cordaid staff in the affected villages and portrayed the surroundings, the devastation as well as the rehabilitation of homes, the humanitarians at work, interacting with the villagers and some of the affected population.

In response to the Herat earthquake, efforts in Keshk, Rabat Sangi district are multifaceted, addressing immediate needs and long-term recovery. Cash distributions provide affected individuals with the autonomy to prioritize their most pressing needs, whether it be shelter, food, or medical expenses. Additionally, construction endeavors focus on the installation of essential infrastructure, including the construction of toilets. These efforts are crucial for maintaining sanitary conditions amidst the chaos of displacement, preventing the spread of disease and ensuring the dignity of those affected. By combining immediate financial assistance with long-term infrastructure development, the community of Keshk is supported in both immediate relief and sustainable recovery efforts.

In response to the Herat earthquake, efforts in Keshk, Rabat Sangi district are multifaceted, addressing immediate needs and long-term recovery. Cash distributions provide affected individuals with the autonomy to prioritize their most pressing needs, whether it be shelter, food, or medical expenses. Additionally, construction endeavors focus on the installation of essential infrastructure, including the construction of toilets. These efforts are crucial for maintaining sanitary conditions amidst the chaos of displacement, preventing the spread of disease and ensuring the dignity of those affected. By combining immediate financial assistance with long-term infrastructure development, the community of Keshk is supported in both immediate relief and sustainable recovery efforts.

Photo: Sayed Aman Sadat / Cordaid / Fairpicture

Care organization, in partnership with Cordaid, has launched a vital initiative to support women and children affected by the recent earthquake in Deh Sarkh area of Zindajan district, Herat. This collaborative effort has established a women's clinic tailored to address the diverse needs of the community during this challenging time. The clinic provides comprehensive care, including midwifery services for expectant mothers, psychological support for trauma survivors, and specialized attention to children and women affected by the earthquake. By offering a range of services, Care NGO and Cordaid aim to provide holistic support to those most vulnerable in the aftermath of the disaster, fostering healing and resilience in the community.

Care organization, in partnership with Cordaid, has launched a vital initiative to support women and children affected by the recent earthquake in Deh Sarkh area of Zindajan district, Herat.

Photo: Sayed Aman Sadat / Cordaid / Fairpicture

Due to the very complex context in Afghanistan, I wasn't sure if we would be able to carry out this assignment in time. I was pleasantly surprised that the Fairpicture team managed to find a professional photographer for us in Kabul within a day.

mick

Mickael Franci
Editor at Cordaid

"The pharmacy at the field clinic in Zinda Jan District of Herat province, supported by World Vision and Cordaid, plays a critical role in providing essential medications to the earthquake-affected population. Staffed by trained pharmacists, the pharmacy offers a wide range of medicines free of charge to ensure access for all in need. From antibiotics to pain relievers and chronic disease medications, the pharmacy strives to meet the diverse medical needs of the community. By offering free medicine, the clinic not only addresses immediate health concerns but also alleviates financial burdens, ensuring that individuals can focus on their recovery without worrying about the cost of treatment."

Photo: Sayed Aman Sadat / Cordaid / Fairpicture

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The earthquake that struck Zinda Jan District of Herat province left a trail of devastation in its wake, transforming once-thriving communities into scenes of rubble and despair. Homes collapsed, roads buckled, and essential infrastructure crumbled under the force of nature's fury. The earthquake's impact was not only physical but also deeply emotional, leaving residents grappling with loss, trauma, and uncertainty about the future. In the aftermath of the disaster, the people of Zinda Jan showed remarkable resilience, banding together to support one another amidst the chaos and destruction. Amidst the ruins, a sense of hope emerged as humanitarian organizations like World Vision and Cordaid swiftly mobilized to provide aid, offering critical medical assistance, shelter, and essential supplies to help the community begin the long process of recovery and rebuilding.

Photo: Sayed Aman Sadat / Cordaid / Fairpicture

Working as a Fairpicture photographer was a profound experience. Documenting this story, from despair to resilience, with the support of the Fairpicture team has been an unforgettable reminder of the power of solidarity and community support in the face of disaster.

sayed

Sayed Aman Sadat
Fairpicture Visual Creator

In the wake of the devastating earthquake that rocked Herat province, the RRAA NGO with support of Dutch Relief Alliance(DRA) emerged as a beacon of hope for the shattered community. With unwavering determination and a deep sense of compassion, they swiftly mobilized to repair the village's drinking water pipeline, which had been severed by the quake's violent tremors. Recognizing the critical need for sustainable infrastructure, RRAA also implemented a province-wide solar system to power the pumps that forwarded water from the village well to the newly restored water storage facilities. Through their tireless efforts, RRAA not only provided immediate relief to the community but also laid the groundwork for long-term resilience and recovery in the face of adversity.

Photo: Sayed Aman Sadat / Cordaid / Fairpicture

Outcome

Shortly after Sayeds visit he submitted his documentary photos and interviews with the affected people and humanitarians in Herat. The material will now be used for a publication in a print magazine and an online magazine and distributed through various online (social) media channels with politicians, policy influencers (advocating for continued humanitarian support for Afghanistan) and humanitarian sector professionals as the main target audiences. The publication date was planned for October 2024, exactly one year after the earthquake.

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