Following the earthquake that struck Khost and Paktika provinces in Afghanistan on the night of 21-22 June, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) sent teams made up of medical and logistical staff to the worst-affected areas. Hundreds of people are thought to have been killed, over a thousand wounded, and many homes have been destroyed and damaged.
In Bermal, Paktika Province, we have set up a 24-hour eight-bed clinic where patients are stabilised until they can be referred for further care. We are also supporting the outpatient activities, and a psychological counsellor has started giving psychological first aid to survivors. Surgical staff and a midwife left Khost on Saturday to further reinforce the team.
Donations of medical supplies and tents have been given to health facilities in Gayan and Bermal, and we are looking at solutions to ensure safe water and adequate sanitation for people and the health facilities.
