Violence has escalated after months of ongoing tension across the region. Over 34,000 people have been killed and thousands more have been injured or deemed missing. In Gaza specifically, a ‘total blockade’ is in place, cutting off 2 million civilians from access to food, electricity, and fuel.
United Nations officials are warning of an impending famine; the total number of housing units destroyed or damaged accounts for over 60% of all housing units; and more than 90% of the population has been displaced with hundreds of thousands of people sleeping in the open with inadequate clothing to fight the cold.
The attack on the health system has been particularly devastating – only 12 out of 36 of Gaza’s hospitals are partially functional, facing challenges with the shortage of medical staff and lack of essential medical supplies.They also shared that more people will die of disease if we’re not able to put the health system back together and provide people with the basics of life.
While issues related to the delivery of humanitarian aid persist, IRUSA partners are continuing to work on the following interventions:
Our partners are also continuing to work on the procurement and stockpiling of water, food and non-food items, and medical supplies, to be delivered once a pathway for humanitarian aid is established.
Four major earthquakes, each of a magnitude between 4.7 and 6.3, have hit the Herat region since October 7. Over 2,000 people have died; thousands of people have been injured; and more than 3,000 homes have been completely destroyed, leaving people homeless. The number of people directly affected has risen to more than 40,000.
“The people of Afghanistan have already been through so much suffering. This earthquake is now a double calamity for many families who urgently need our support. We are appealing for as much financial assistance to help those affected by this disaster. Many people have lost loved ones, and many [are] injured. Their needs will be huge in the days to come.” – Umair Hasan, Islamic Relief Afghanistan Country Director
Islamic Relief is working with local partners to provide emergency relief and promote long-term recovery. The initial emergency response includes cash assistance for food and other basic needs; essential non-food items including hygiene kits; and transitional shelter and rental assistance.
Early recovery goals include construction of shelters; rehabilitation of water sources and construction of latrines; cash-for-work opportunities to repair community infrastructure; skill-based training and promotion of income-generating activities; and formation of community self-help groups (SHG’s). Our goal is to help restore hope and dignity to families in Afghanistan as they rebuild their homes and communities.
The threat of famine looms over countries across East Africa including Somalia, Kenya, and Ethiopia as conflict and climate-induced drought have left nearly 23 million people without food. Over 9.5 million livestock, a main source of food and livelihood for farming communities across the region, have perished. The struggle to find food and water has forced hundreds of thousands of people across the region to migrate in order to survive, further escalating the crisis. The impact of the war in Ukraine is also a particular cause for concern as food prices continue to soar, and 90% of the wheat, a staple in the region’s diet, comes from either Russia or Ukraine.
Islamic Relief is on the ground across Somalia, Kenya, and Ethiopia focusing on interventions similar to those in 2011 including food security and access to clean water and sanitation. Through efforts like financial assistance programs; provision of water and hygiene kits; and construction of sanitary facilities, it is our hope to bring dignity to our brothers and sisters across East Africa and let them know they have not been forgotten. Thanks to our supporters, we’re able to help make it possible.