On a quiet Sunday night, August 31, 2025, a 6.0-magnitude earthquake shook eastern Afghanistan, leaving devastation in its wake. Entire villages in Kunar and Nangarhar provinces were reduced to rubble, and the death toll has climbed past 2,200, with thousands more injured. As a humanitarian crisis unfolds, families are grappling with loss, homelessness, and a dire need for aid. This article dives into the latest updates on the disaster, the challenges facing relief efforts, and how you can make a difference.
The Earthquake’s Impact
The quake struck near Jalalabad, at a shallow depth of just 8 kilometers, amplifying its destructive power. Mud-brick homes, common in the region’s mountainous terrain, crumbled, trapping many under debris. By September 5, Taliban officials reported 2,205 deaths, with Kunar province bearing the brunt—98% of its buildings were damaged or destroyed. Aftershocks, including a 6.2-magnitude tremor on September 4, have compounded the chaos, making rescue operations a race against time.
A Region Already in Crisis
Afghanistan was already reeling from drought, economic collapse, and mass deportations from neighboring countries like Pakistan and Iran. The earthquake hit at a time when over half the population—23 million people—needed humanitarian aid. The closure of 422 health centers due to U.S. aid cuts earlier this year has left hospitals overwhelmed, with many patients treated in corridors or transferred to Kabul.
Stories from the Ground
Gul Rahim, a survivor from Kunar, lost 63 family members, including his five-year-old daughter, Fatima. “I managed to get out, but my youngest daughter was trapped inside, crying, ‘Father, get me out of here!’ By the time we reached her, she had passed away,” he shared with Al Jazeera, his voice heavy with grief. Such stories highlight the human toll and the urgency of the situation.
Challenges Facing Relief Efforts
Rescue and relief operations face immense hurdles. The rugged terrain, coupled with landslides triggered by the quake and prior heavy rains, has blocked roads, forcing aid workers to trek hours on foot or rely on helicopters. Communications are spotty, with many areas lacking cell service, complicating coordination.
Funding Shortfalls
International aid has dwindled since the Taliban’s 2021 takeover, with U.S. assistance, once a lifeline, nearly eliminated under the Trump administration. The closure of USAID has left a funding gap, with organizations like the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) operating on just $100,000 against a $1.9 million need. The UN has allocated $10 million in emergency funds, but aid officials warn it’s a fraction of what’s required.
Cultural Barriers
Taliban restrictions on women exacerbate the crisis. Cultural norms prohibiting contact between unrelated men and women have left female survivors underserved. In Kunar, women like 19-year-old Bibi Aysha reported being ignored by male rescuers, with no female aid workers available. The Taliban’s ban on women’s medical education has worsened the shortage of female healthcare providers, critical for treating women in conservative regions.
How Relief Efforts Are Responding
Despite the challenges, humanitarian organizations are mobilizing. The UN, International Rescue Committee (IRC), and others are on the ground, delivering food, tents, and medical supplies. India has airlifted 21 tons of aid, including tents and medicines, while the UK pledged £1 million through trusted partners like the Red Cross. Helicopters are airlifting the injured, and local communities are pitching in, with thousands helping to clear rubble and distribute supplies.
Key Organizations Leading the Charge
Several groups are spearheading relief efforts. Here’s a snapshot of their work:
| Organization | Focus | How They’re Helping |
|---|---|---|
| International Rescue Committee (IRC) | Health, shelter, food | Deployed mobile health teams in Kunar, providing first aid and maternal care. |
| UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) | Coordination, supplies | Reached 49 villages, distributing ready-to-eat meals and sanitation kits. |
| World Food Programme (WFP) | Food security | Providing emergency food but warns supplies may run out in weeks without funding. |
| Islamic Relief | Health, shelter | Sent emergency health teams to treat survivors and assess damage. |
| GlobalGiving | Long-term recovery | Raising funds for immediate relief and future rebuilding efforts. |
Pros and Cons of Current Relief Efforts
Pros:
- Rapid deployment of helicopters to reach remote areas.
- International support from countries like India and the UK.
- Community-driven efforts boosting local resilience.
Cons:
- Limited funding hampers the scale of response.
- Cultural restrictions limit aid access for women.
- Rough terrain and aftershocks delay rescue operations.
How You Can Help
The scale of this disaster demands global support. Here’s how you can contribute, whether you’re looking to donate, volunteer, or spread awareness:
Donate to Trusted Charities
Financial donations are the most effective way to support relief efforts, as they allow organizations to address immediate needs. Here are some vetted options:
- GlobalGiving Afghanistan Earthquake Relief Fund: Supports search and rescue, medical care, and long-term recovery. Donate here.
- International Rescue Committee (IRC): Provides health services and shelter in Nangarhar and Laghman. Learn more.
- Save the Children: Focuses on child protection and health services. Support their work.
- Americares: Funds regional partners to restore health services. Contribute here.
Volunteer Opportunities
While on-the-ground volunteering in Afghanistan is challenging due to security and access issues, you can support remotely by:
- Fundraising: Organize community drives or online campaigns to raise money for relief organizations.
- Advocacy: Use social media to share updates and donation links, amplifying the crisis’s visibility.
Spread Awareness
Sharing verified information helps combat misinformation and keeps the crisis in focus. Follow credible sources like the UN, BBC, or Al Jazeera for updates, and share their posts to raise awareness.
People Also Ask (PAA)
Below are real questions from Google’s PAA section, answered concisely to address searcher intent:
What caused the Afghanistan earthquake?
The earthquake was caused by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, common in Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region. Its shallow depth of 8 kilometers made it particularly destructive.
How many people died in the Afghanistan earthquake?
As of September 5, 2025, over 2,200 people have died, with more than 3,600 injured. The death toll may rise as rescue teams reach remote areas.
How can I donate to Afghanistan earthquake relief?
You can donate to organizations like GlobalGiving, IRC, or Save the Children via their official websites. Monetary donations are most effective for immediate relief.
What is the situation in Afghanistan after the earthquake?
Villages in Kunar and Nangarhar are devastated, with thousands homeless and infrastructure destroyed. Relief efforts are hampered by terrain, funding cuts, and cultural restrictions.
Comparison: Afghanistan Earthquake vs. Previous Disasters
To put this crisis in context, let’s compare it to the 2023 Herat earthquake:
| Aspect | 2025 Kunar Earthquake | 2023 Herat Earthquake |
|---|---|---|
| Magnitude | 6.0 | 6.3 |
| Death Toll | 2,205+ | 2,000+ |
| Injured | 3,600+ | 9,000+ |
| Homes Destroyed | 5,700+ | 10,000+ |
| Aid Challenges | Funding cuts, terrain, cultural barriers | Funding shortages, Taliban restrictions |
The 2025 quake’s shallow depth and remote epicenter make it particularly deadly, while ongoing aid cuts have worsened the response compared to 2023.
A Personal Reflection
When I read about Gul Rahim’s loss, it hit me hard. As a parent, I can’t imagine the pain of hearing a child’s cry for help, only to find them gone. It’s a reminder of how fragile life is and how disasters like this amplify existing struggles. In Afghanistan, where war, poverty, and now nature’s wrath converge, the resilience of survivors like Gul is both heartbreaking and inspiring. It’s why every small act of support—whether a donation or a shared post—matters.
FAQ Section
What is the latest update on the Afghanistan earthquake?
As of September 12, 2025, the death toll exceeds 2,200, with ongoing aftershocks complicating rescue efforts. Aid organizations are delivering food, tents, and medical care, but funding and access remain critical issues.
Where can I donate to help Afghanistan earthquake victims?
Trusted charities include GlobalGiving, IRC, and Save the Children. Visit their websites for secure donation options tailored to immediate and long-term needs.
What are the biggest challenges for relief efforts?
Rough terrain, landslides, and funding shortages are major obstacles. Cultural restrictions also limit aid access for women, requiring female aid workers who are in short supply.
How can I volunteer for Afghanistan earthquake relief?
Direct volunteering is difficult due to security concerns, but you can fundraise, advocate online, or support local NGOs remotely. Check with organizations like the IRC for opportunities.
Why is international aid limited in Afghanistan?
U.S. aid cuts, Taliban restrictions, and global funding shortages have reduced resources. The closure of USAID and frozen Afghan assets abroad further strain relief efforts.
Final Thoughts
The Afghanistan earthquake is a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictability and humanity’s shared responsibility. Survivors are enduring unimaginable loss, yet their strength fuels hope. By donating, sharing, or advocating, you can help ensure that families like Gul Rahim’s aren’t left to face this tragedy alone. Every small action counts—let’s show Afghanistan they’re not forgotten.