Tens of thousands in urgent need of shelter after Afghan quake, aid group says

By Olivia Le Poidevin

GENEVA (Reuters) -Tens of thousands of families left homeless after a powerful earthquake in Afghanistan urgently need shelter as winter approaches, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) said on Wednesday.

The 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck on the night of August 31 into September 1, killing more than 2,200 people and destroying more than 8,000 homes, according to the IFRC.

“With more than 1.3 million people directly and indirectly affected, many families are still living in tents, makeshift shelters, or under the open sky,” the IFRC said in a statement.

“As winter sets in, tents are not enough. Families need safe, warm, and dignified shelter to survive the freezing months ahead,” said Joy Singhal, Interim Head of Delegation,