Emergency Humanitarian Assistance for Earthquake-Affected Households in Herat Province

Emergency Humanitarian Assistance for Earthquake-Affected Households in Herat Province

Project Overview

In response to the devastating earthquake in Zindajan District, Herat Province, Your Voice Organization (YVO) launched an emergency assistance initiative to provide cash support to affected households. The project targeted areas where aid had yet to reach, ensuring vulnerable households could maintain a minimum standard of living.

Project Purpose

To deliver urgent financial assistance to earthquake-affected households, focusing on those with the highest social and economic vulnerabilities, helping them secure immediate basic needs and rebuild their lives.

Project Activities

 Coordination

YVO engaged in extensive coordination with key stakeholders, including:

Local government departments and officials.

Community leaders and residents.

UN and NGO partners operating in the area.

Coordination was dynamic, adapting to the evolving emergency situation to ensure a flexible and prompt response.

Selection and Assessment of Targeted Areas

Conducted a comprehensive on-ground assessment to identify the most severely impacted villages in and around Zindajan District.

Prioritized areas that had received little to no external assistance.

Beneficiary Selection Process

Eligibility Criteria:

Households led by socially vulnerable individuals (e.g., disabled persons, female heads of households).

Families experiencing significant structural damage to their homes.

Households meeting criteria outlined by the Emergency Earthquake Response Plan, including those

Lacking proper shelter.

Struggling to access basic services.

Comprising IDPs, day laborers, or individuals without financial support.

Verification:

YVO field staff conducted household visits to validate eligibility and ensure fairness.

Transparent selection was achieved through collaboration with government authorities and communication with community members.

Token Exchange for Cash Assistance

Advance Communication:

Beneficiaries were notified of the token distribution and cash exchange schedule via phones.

Cash Distribution:

Each household received USD 170, an amount aligned with the Afghanistan Cash & Voucher Working Group (CVWG) guidelines and the Minimum Expenditure Basket (MEB), sufficient for a 7-member household's monthly basic needs.

Project Impact

-Enabled affected families to purchase urgent necessities such as food, shelter materials, and hygiene items, improving their resilience during a critical period.

-Promoted fairness, transparency, and accountability in humanitarian aid delivery, building trust within the community.

-Strengthened collaboration with local and international stakeholders, setting a foundation for future emergency responses.