Life in the remote mountain communities in Afghanistan has always required resilience and hard work, but for many families the devastating earthquake turned their villages into memories they now carry with a sense of loss.

“Before the earthquake, our lives were peaceful and well‑organised,” Ahmad recalls. “We had clean air, the natural beauty around us, and we earned a modest living from our land and livestock. Our community was strong, and we supported one another.”

In August 2025, when a 6.2‑magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan, it caused severe destruction across Kunar and neighbouring provinces. Families lost loved ones, homes collapsed, and entire communities were displaced. Landslides blocked roads and irrigation canals, cutting families off from basic services and the livelihoods they depended on. 

“After the earthquake destroyed our home, we were displaced, and all of our livestock perished,” Ahmad says. “Everything we had was buried under the rubble. What was once a contentment turned into hardship and uncertainty, compelling us to rebuild our lives from the very beginning. “ 

Despite the dangerous, damaged mountain roads, Afghanaid was among the first international charities to reach the affected areas. With generous support from the public through our emergency appeal, families received clean drinking water, hot meals, tents, blankets, and other essentials in the first days after the disaster. Institutional partners - including the UK Government, Muslim Aid, and the Hilton Foundation - enabled us to expand this response into a wider emergency project in the worst‑affected areas, ensuring that the most vulnerable families received timely relief.

Our team travelled to the devastated villages to meet families, speaking with thousands of people to understand their most pressing needs.

By working closely with community members, the team identified the most urgent needs. With donor support, the most vulnerable families received essential items: basic household supplies, hygiene kits, clothing, lighting, radios, and small comforts like children’s toys to restore a sense of normalcy. Crucially, families also received animal feed and veterinary support to help protect their remaining livestock - their last lifeline and the key to rebuilding their futures. 

One of the most immediate challenges in the temporary shelters was the lack of lighting. Nights were spent in complete darkness, making even simple tasks difficult.

“We only had a small battery‑powered light,” another community member recalls. “It was barely enough to see what we were eating, and we couldn’t charge our phones. Then Afghanaid installed solar‑powered lighting systems in our shelters, bringing safety and dignity back into our daily routines. Our tent is now bright and we no longer have to pray or eat in darkness.” 

Another major challenge after the earthquake was the damage to roads and irrigation canals, which made it difficult for families to reach markets or continue their farming. Community members worked together to repair the roads, restore the irrigation system, and clean the canals, earning short‑term income that eased their immediate financial needs and provided meaningful support. 

Yet many challenges persist, and permanent housing remains a major concern for affected families. Even so, as people return to their routines and begin planning for the future, many speak about rebuilding their homes, restoring their work, and ensuring their children can continue learning. The support they received has helped families regain something invaluable: a sense of direction and a way forward. 

*His name was changed.