(Nahrin, Afghanistan) -- The earth violently shook and debris cascaded from Afghanistan's mountains twice in March. According to CNN, last week's earthquake took 800 lives. An additional 500 individuals have been seriously injured. Preliminary assessments report more than 10,000 homes surrounding the epicenter were destroyed or deemed uninhabitable. Freezing rain has prevented aircraft carrying humanitarian aid from landing on the slippery hillsides for several days. The weather doesn't look like it will clear until later this week. Fearful of aftershocks, an estimated 20,000 children and their families have camped in the miserable cold on the open hills of Hindu Kush.

Ravaged by years of civil war, Taliban rule and drought, Nahrin's residents and their neighbors already had a mind boggling task of rebuilding their personal lives and nation. Now in the aftermath of both earthquakes, they need caring assistance from their international neighbors.

In response to this newest tragedy facing the Afghan people, OBI is joining with other agencies in AREDO (Association of Evangelical Relief and Development Organizations) to build permanent replacement shelters for earthquake victims. Designed especially for earthquake prone areas, each of these homes can house up to six people. Initial estimates have stated each structure will cost less than $800. These disaster victims are also in need of clean safe drinking water, which OBI will help provide as we are able.

"OBI is committed toward this effort with its partners," commented Dick Kohl, OBI's Director of Disaster of Relief & Medical Missions.

In addition to responding to March's earthquakes, OBI continues to assist Afghan refugees living in a Pakistan camp by providing 6,000 meals each day. Late last week 2,000 Afghan families living in Istalaf, 60 km north of Kabul, received a month's supply of food during a distribution and more than 1,000 individuals received desperately needed medical care during a free two day clinic.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
You can help by making an online donation toward OBI's disaster relief efforts. With your support, we can continue to provide emergency relief and recovery. Please make an on-line donation today.

 

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