[Feature Story] Earthquake Strikes Afghanistan

   At 11:46 P.M. on August 31st, 2025, a magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck near Jalalabad in Nangarhar Province, southeastern Afghanistan. The quake caused extensive damage across several provinces including Kunar, Nangarhar, and Laghman. A total of 2,205 people lost their lives and 3,640 were injured. In Kunar Province alone, at least 800 were killed and 2,500 wounded, while in Nangarhar Province 12 people died and 255 were injured. Hundreds of homes collapsed, leaving countless residents displaced. What made this earthquake especially destructive was its shallow depth of about 8 km beneath the surface. Because of this, the tremors were more strongly transmitted to the ground, amplifying their impact on buildings and terrain. In large-scale natural disasters, governments in politically unstable countries like Afghanistan often struggle to provide consistent support. Consequently, NGOs play a vital role in relief and recovery.

Why was the earthquake devastating

   Geographically, Afghanistan sits on the collision zone between the Indian and Eurasian plates, particularly along the Hindu Kush Mountains, where seismic activity is frequent. In 2023, a series of four magnitude 6.3 earthquakes struck Herat Province, killing thousands. In 2015, another major quake in the Hindu Kush claimed hundreds of lives, including victims in neighboring Pakistan. Earthquakes are a recurring reality, underscoring the country’s structural vulnerability to seismic risk.

   Earthquakes occur when tectonic plates collide or slip, releasing built-up pressure along fault lines. When they strike at shallow depths, the shaking transmitted to the surface is especially strong, often resulting in severe destruction. The August 31st magnitude 6.0 earthquake illustrates this. With its shallow epicenter only about 8 km underground, tremors spread across Kunar, Nangarhar, and Laghman, leaving thousands dead or injured and widespread destruction of homes. Other factors also intensified the disaster. The earthquake struck just before midnight, a time when most residents were indoors and vulnerable. Heavy seasonal rains had weakened slopes, increasing the risk of landslides and ground failures. Many houses, built with mud and brick, could not withstand the shocks. Roads were blocked, forcing rescue operations to be conducted primarily by air. Helicopters only reached affected areas the following morning, September 1st, delaying lifesaving efforts.

International community offers vital aid to Afghanistan

   Social and political factors also exacerbated the disaster’s impact. Due to the Taliban’s restrictive policies, particularly against women, and widespread allegations of aid diversion, international support for Afghanistan has sharply declined. Years of war and economic collapse left the country unprepared for disasters of this scale. Although the Taliban appealed for help, international assistance has been limited. The United States, once Afghanistan’s largest donor providing 45% of its aid, halted most funding under the Trump administration, leaving UN agencies and humanitarian groups struggling to maintain operations. The United Kingdom announced emergency support of 1 million pounds, to be delivered through the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), bypassing direct Taliban channels. India sent 1,000 emergency tents and 15 tons of food to Kunar Province. The United Arab Emirates dispatched rescue teams and supplies, while China expressed readiness to provide relief within its means. South Korea offered condolences to the victims and pledged 1 million dollars through the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) for emergency response. The UN and Red Cross also stepped in. UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated, “We stand in full solidarity with the people of Afghanistan in the wake of this devastating earthquake.”

Swift NGO response, unequal reach

   In the immediate aftermath, both international and local NGOs acted quickly. The IFRC, in partnership with the Afghan Red Crescent, launched an emergency relief plan to deliver food, medicine, and temporary shelters. CARE International dispatched medical staff and relief teams to treat the injured and provide emergency supplies. UNICEF focused on child protection and clean water access, delivering 130 tons of aid, including temporary housing and hygiene kits, by air within 72 hours. On the ground, 25 health facilities were operating, supported by 35 ambulances transporting patients to hospitals. UNICEF also provided water, sanitation, educational resources, and winter supplies. Save the Children deployed 11 medical teams and ambulances to Kunar Province, the worst-hit region. NGOs, leveraging expertise and international networks, often fill critical gaps left by governments, offering more flexible and rapid interventions.

   Yet, despite these efforts, aid distribution has been far from equal. Remote mountain villages and communities cut off by blocked roads remained inaccessible. Restrictions on female aid workers further hindered relief operations. Chronic shortages of funds and supplies limited the scope of assistance, while disputes over distribution criteria sometimes fueled local tensions–a recurring challenge in disaster relief worldwide.

Burden on women and vulnerable groups

   The earthquake disproportionately affected women, children, and the elderly, who are among the most vulnerable populations. Under the Taliban regime, strict restrictions on female aid workers meant that many female victims could not get medical care on time. According to local reports, in some areas only male medical staff were allowed to work, resulting in women being denied treatment or facing delays due to religious constraints. In addition, inadequate sanitation facilities in shelters posed serious risks for women and children. The lack of separate restrooms and shower facilities raised concerns about sexual violence, and shortages of menstrual hygiene products further exacerbated the situation. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) noted that “women and children in Afghanistan remain the most vulnerable group in this earthquake,” calling for increased international attention and support.

   In crises like this, various actors, including non-profit organizations, governments, and international agencies, play a crucial role in providing humanitarian assistance. However, challenges such as limited accessibility, funding shortages, and political restrictions continue to hinder effective relief. Addressing these issues will require community-based approaches, stronger coordination networks, diversified resource mobilization, and long-term recovery strategies. In countries like Afghanistan, where structural vulnerabilities are severe, strengthening resilience must remain a central goal. As earthquakes and other disasters are likely to recur, humanitarian efforts must evolve, moving toward disaster preparedness and integration with sustainable development.