Devastating Earthquake Strikes Eastern Afghanistan, Over 2,200 Fatalities Reported

On August 31, 2025, at 11:47 p.m. local time, a magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan, with its epicenter in Nurgal District, Kunar Province. The shallow depth of 8 kilometers intensified the quake's destructive power, leading to significant devastation across Kunar, Nangarhar, Laghman, and Nuristan provinces.

The earthquake resulted in over 2,200 fatalities and more than 3,600 injuries. Approximately 6,700 homes were destroyed, leaving tens of thousands without shelter. Critical infrastructure, including health facilities and schools, suffered extensive damage. In Kunar Province alone, over 11,000 displaced individuals are currently residing in temporary camps, receiving basic necessities from the Afghan Red Crescent.

The United Nations estimated the direct physical damages at $183 million, equivalent to just over 1% of Afghanistan’s GDP for the fiscal year 2023. Kunar and Nangarhar provinces bore the brunt of the destruction, accounting for 97% of the total damage.

In response to the crisis, the United Nations launched an emergency funding appeal for nearly $140 million to assist the affected population. The appeal aims to provide urgent humanitarian aid, including food, shelter, and medical assistance, particularly to hard-to-reach areas before the onset of winter. However, as of October 1, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) reported that only one-third of the needed funds had been secured, hindering efforts to provide adequate shelter and protection, especially for vulnerable groups like women and children.

Afghanistan's geographical location along the collision zone of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates makes it highly susceptible to seismic activity. The affected area lies along the Kunar major fault line, historically categorized as high seismic risk with severe shake intensity levels. The earthquake's impact was exacerbated by the country's existing challenges, including decades of conflict, economic instability, and international isolation. These factors have hindered effective disaster response and recovery efforts, leaving many communities vulnerable.

The destruction of homes has left tens of thousands without shelter. With winter approaching, the lack of proper housing poses a severe threat to their survival. In Kunar Province alone, over 11,000 displaced people are living in temporary camps where basic necessities are being provided by the Afghan Red Crescent. The earthquake also damaged or destroyed numerous health facilities, further straining an already fragile healthcare system. The World Health Organization reported that 80 health facilities had recently closed due to funding cuts, compounding the crisis.

The earthquake caused major structural damage and casualties are anticipated. The increasing international isolation of Afghanistan significantly limited the disaster relief aid and support by the international community, making the Afghan population deeply vulnerable.

Afghanistan has experienced several significant earthquakes in recent history. For instance, in October 2023, a 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck the country, resulting in at least 1,500 to 4,000 deaths, depending on differing estimates from the Taliban government and the United Nations.

This event underscores the critical need for international support and investment in Afghanistan's disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience to mitigate the effects of future natural disasters.