Herat Earthquake Response Update; Community Helps Develop Eco-Friendly Housing Project

In October 2023, three massive earthquakes shook Herat; destroying entire villages, taking thousands of lives, and displacing many more. With so many people left vulnerable—families with children, families who lost their livelihoods because of the destruction—we knew we needed to do more to help with long-term resilience and recovery. 

In collaboration with our local partner, Community Driven Development Organization, and led by their local engineers, we designed earthbag homes—a low-cost, eco-friendly, and earthquake-resistant permanent solution for housing. The earthbag material was chosen specifically for its proven ability to survive earthquakes and accommodate shifting climates across seasons.

Every family in the Kariz-e-Mawry village lost their homes to the earthquakes. With the entire village now displaced, we are committed to rebuilding all 50 homes. 

Our project began with proof of concept, which entailed building 3 houses—each equipped with 3 rooms, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a courtyard. The design has been well-received by community members, and they are eager for the project to continue. 

We’re grateful to our partner, CDDO, for their incredible work so far, and for the community itself for the active role they’ve played throughout this project. At Uplift, we seek to reclaim aid work as a conversation between equals, with those we serve setting the agenda for what kind of support best meets their local needs.