October 2025

In the days following the devastating earthquake that struck Kunar province on August 31st, and during the subsequent quakes and aftershocks, Afghanaid's emergency response team have been hard at work ensuring communities most at-risk have access to the critical support they need. With over 2,200 lives tragically lost, 8,496 homes destroyed, and almost half a million people directly affected, this earthquake is the deadliest to strike the country in nearly three decades.

Despite the dangerous conditions and destroyed mountain roads, Afghanaid was one of the first international charities on the ground in the region. Thanks to the outpouring of support from our donors, who responded in their hundreds to our emergency appeal, we were able to quickly scale up our operations. Your generosity enabled us to act swiftly, reaching families at a time when urgent help was most needed. 

Learn more about our Earthquake Appeal

Delivering lifesaving relief to those who need it most

From tents and blankets to hot meals, toiletries and clean drinking water, Afghanaid has already provided families across the region with the basic essentials they need to stay safe and healthy, even in the face of immense tragedy. This includes delivering over 32,000 hot meals, hundreds of blankets and tents, and other vital supplies to more than 7500 people in the first month alone.

Adbul Rahman Tariq, Afghanaid’s Director of Programmes, reflected on Afghanaid's response so far:

Our emergency team in Kunar province have reached thousands of people to ensure their basic needs are met in the immediate aftermath of the earthquakes. We are so proud of the agility, dedication and tirelessness our team has shown, working day and night to ensure timely and effective delivery. This has been crucial to safeguarding the health, safety and dignity of some of the most at-risk families."

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Supporting families on the road to recovery

As we continue to meet families’ most basic needs, we are also listening closely to communities about what will help them recover and rebuild their lives. 

"As well as delivering emergency relief, we have been extensively analysing the earthquake damage, and working with communities to design a route out of crisis," said Abdul Rahman. "Recovery will mean securing safe and stable housing for displaced families, helping them restore their livelihoods, and rebuilding essential infrastructure such as water systems and prayer facilities. It will also mean creating lasting solutions that meet the unique needs of those most vulnerable in disaster settings, including children, women, disabled people and the elderly."

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Support from the UK Government to scale up crucial programming

Recognising the vital work already being carried out in some of the worst-affected areas, the UK Government has pledged additional funding of £750,000 to enable Afghanaid to reach many more families in the most remote areas with emergency assistance in their time of greatest need. 

The United Kingdom's Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said: 

The situation in Afghanistan following the recent earthquake remains grave, and as aid workers finally manage to reach the remote and worst-affected areas, the extent of the damage and human impact are clear. That’s why the UK is providing an additional £3 million to support humanitarian partners already active on the ground.

"With winter round the corner it is essential that there is a collective effort to address the needs of people made vulnerable by this tragedy."

With winter fast approaching, our commitment to those affected by this devastating disaster is stronger than ever, and we hold in our thoughts the many lives that have been lost. We are truly thankful to all who have supported our emergency appeal so generously, and we urge those who have not yet given to please consider making a donation, so we can continue to deliver life-saving assistance.

"We will continue to stand firmly with the people of Kunar and Nangarhar, doing all we can to support them through this crisis and beyond." - Abdul Rahman Tariq, Director of Programmes

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