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AWM/RAWA Light a Candle of Hope April 20 - 27, 2002 EARTHQUAKE FACTSHEET

Background

At 7:26pm local time (9:26 am Eastern time) on 25 March 2002, a 6.2 magnitude earthquake devastated Baghlan province in northern Afghanistan in the Hindu Kush mountains. Afghan officials estimate that 800-1000 people died, 4,000 people were injured, at least 1,500 homes were destroyed and 20,000 people were rendered homeless.

There are problems due to the poor quality of drinking water because the debris from the earthquake has blocked some springs and river water has become cloudy because of landslides.

Several non-profit organizations have implemented emergency relief programs in the earthquake –affected areas. However, with blocked roads from fallen trees and landslides, emergency work has become very difficult. RAWA, The Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan, a group of Afghan women, often has access that other aid organizations do not. For example, they are more likely to convince a woman who is hurt to seek medical attention from one of their mobile medical teams, as they are able to communicate with them in Pashtu or Dari, the two Afghan languages. Another important point is that RAWA, because of their steadfast struggle for women’s rights for over two decades ensures that women and children receive aid relief. This is very important especially because of the recent situation for women – to give them the ability to provide for their families in this difficult time. RAWA will supply earthquake-stricken Afghans with flour and cooking oil; blankets and quilts; medicines and first aid. They will also provide resources for rebuilding homes and help families get back on their feet. While it’s true that the funds will be providing these supplies, the women of RAWA will also deliver hope and strength – communicating the message of this vigil with the victims. RAWA members personally distribute all emergency aid to ensure that it reaches those who need it the most.

To nurture a human being for 30 days costs just $30. The breakdown of costs is as follows: food is $8, clothing $4, shelter $13 and first aid/medicines $5. Even if you just send one dollar that pays for aid relief funds for one person for one day. It may mean one more day of hope for that person.

RAWA successfully completed a similar program for the March 3 quake, which measured 7.1 on the Richter scale. RAWA distributed food among earthquake victims in Khuram and Sarbagh villages of Samangan province in Northern Afghanistan. Pictures of RAWA’s aid relief operations are available at http://rawasongs.fancymarketing.net/samangan.htm