Catastrophic Earthquake Strikes Afghanistan, Thousands Affected

On August 31, 2025, at 11:47 p.m. local time, a magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan's Kunar Province, near the Pakistan border. The epicenter was located in Nurgal District at a shallow depth of approximately 8 kilometers, intensifying the quake's destructive impact. The tremors were felt across Kunar, Nangarhar, Laghman, and Nuristan provinces, as well as in the capital city, Kabul.

The earthquake resulted in over 2,200 fatalities and more than 3,600 injuries. Approximately 6,700 homes were destroyed, leaving tens of thousands homeless. The World Bank estimated the direct physical damages at $183 million, equivalent to just over 1% of Afghanistan’s GDP for fiscal year 2023. The most impacted provinces were Kunar and Nangarhar, accounting for 97% of the total damage, with estimated costs reaching $134.7 million and $42.6 million, respectively.

In response to the disaster, several international organizations launched emergency appeals to support relief efforts. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) sought 25 million Swiss francs to meet critical humanitarian needs and support the Afghan Red Crescent Society in immediate response and recovery efforts until the end of December 2027. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) appealed for $5 million to provide critical health services to affected women and girls, focusing on maternal and reproductive health, mental health, and psychosocial support services. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) launched an emergency funding appeal for nearly $140 million to assist almost half a million people affected by the earthquake.

The earthquake exacerbated existing challenges in the region, including poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to healthcare. The destruction of homes and public infrastructure left many communities without shelter, clean water, or basic services. The United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM) urgently appealed for $16.8 million to aid disaster-stricken communities, emphasizing the need for shelter, food, and clean water, especially with winter approaching.

The disaster also highlighted the vulnerability of Afghanistan's health system, which was already weakened by years of conflict and underfunding. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that 21 health facilities were damaged, further limiting access to medical care for the affected population.

Afghanistan is situated in a seismically active region, making it prone to earthquakes. The August 31, 2025, earthquake was the deadliest in the country since 1998. The combination of fragile housing, steep and unstable terrain, and blocked access routes due to landslides contributed to the severity of the disaster.

The August 31 earthquake has highlighted Afghanistan's vulnerabilities and the dire need for comprehensive humanitarian assistance. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated international efforts and a commitment to supporting the Afghan people in rebuilding their lives.