The devastating earthquake in Kermanshah Province in November 2017 caused a lot of destruction and damages to the people of the region and left more than five hundred dead. A large group of Yarsanis, who live in the quake-hit areas of the province, suffered greatly from the earthquake. The villages of Yarsanis in the Dalahu county, as well as the city of Sarpol-e Zahab, were severely impacted by the earthquake, and their situation has not returned to normal, despite the passage of several years.

Kermanshah was in an unfavorable economic situation before the November 2017 earthquake. The unemployment rate in the province was very high and the lack of the necessary infrastructure presented an unclear perspective of the future for people. The earthquake made the situation much worse, especially in the villages and cities affected by the earthquake.

The government has performed very poorly in providing assistance and care for earthquake victims. During the first days after the earthquake, the Red Crescent did not distribute necessities among many of those who had been impacted in Yarsani areas. Many are still helpless and hopeless to meet their basic needs. In their tents and temporary shelters, they have not been safe from the cold of winter or the scorching heat of summer. In addition, improper health conditions have caused the spread of infectious diseases. Many damaged houses and small businesses have not been rebuilt due to a lack of investment and budget. Many people have lost their jobs and source of income and the amount of government assistance is also insignificant. Poverty, earthquake problems, and the lack of a clear vision for improvement and change in the situation have led many of the Yarsani people to depression and hopelessness. The suicide rate has risen sharply, especially among women and the youth.