UN appeals for $140 million to aid earthquake survivors in Afghanistan

On August 31, 2025, a devastating earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan, registering a magnitude of 6.0. This disaster resulted in a tragic loss of over 2,200 lives and left more than 3,600 individuals injured. The harsh mountainous terrain and remote location of many affected areas have complicated rescue efforts. After assessing the situation, Afghan authorities reported that extensive damage had been inflicted upon homes, with more than 6,700 structures either damaged or completely destroyed. The region's health facilities are stretched thin due to the influx of the injured as humanitarian needs continue to grow amidst ongoing challenges. In response to the dire circumstances, the United Nations announced an emergency funding appeal amounting to $139.6 million aimed at addressing the needs of nearly half a million people impacted by this calamity. The appeal is a part of a four-month emergency response plan, which focuses on providing essential services such as food, shelter, and medical care, particularly in severely affected provinces including Kunar, Laghman, and Nangarhar. Rescue operations have concluded, but the aftermath calls for sustained assistance as conditions worsen with the approach of winter. The U.N. has indicated that, to date, its teams have been able to visit only 49 out of the 411 villages impacted due to ongoing challenges like destroyed roads that limit access. The harsh winter is looming, adding urgency to relief operations; as stated by Indrika Ratwatte, the U.N.’s Humanitarian Coordinator for Afghanistan, there is an immediate need for the international community to show solidarity with the Afghan people, who have faced relentless hardships. Local authorities and various humanitarian organizations have been conducting extensive relief efforts to ensure that citizens receive the help they desperately need. Continuing assistance and timely delivery of supplies will be critical in bridging the gaps left by disaster, as the focus remains on reaching high-elevation areas before winter sets in, which could exacerbate the already precarious situation for those affected by the earthquake.