The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has warned that many families affected by the recent earthquake in northern Afghanistan are at risk of displacement after widespread destruction of homes.

In a statement, UNICEF said the quake-hit areas are in urgent need of immediate humanitarian assistance.

The 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck early Sunday, 2 November, affecting several provinces, particularly Samangan and Balkh. According to local reports, at least 20 people have been killed and more than 900 injured so far.

The US Geological Survey’s rapid earthquake damage assessment system estimated that about 110,000 people experienced very strong shaking, while more than 1.5 million were exposed to strong tremors across northern Afghanistan.

UNICEF said it has deployed medical teams to the affected areas to provide emergency treatment, primary healthcare, psychosocial support, and counselling. The organisation also called for urgent humanitarian aid to support families who have lost their homes and livelihoods.