Photo credit: IFRC

Kabul/Geneva, 1 September – Southeastern Afghanistan is reeling from a devastating 6.0 magnitude earthquake that struck late on 31 August, leaving behind a trail of destruction in Kunar, Nangarhar, and Laghman provinces. Initial reports point to more than 550 lives lost, over 1,000 people injured, and around 600 homes either destroyed or heavily damaged. Many families have been forced from their homes and are in urgent need of assistance.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has already begun supporting relief operations. A staff member has joined the ECHO team heading to the affected areas to conduct on-the-ground assessments, while the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) has mobilized emergency response units. Their teams are delivering immediate relief, carrying out both field and aerial assessments, and helping transport the injured to medical facilities. Hospitals, particularly the Nangarhar Regional Specialist Hospital, are struggling to cope, having already reached full capacity.

Authorities and humanitarian agencies highlight several pressing needs: search and rescue operations, trauma care and medical supplies, food and clean water, and the urgent restoration of road access to isolated communities.

International voices have also expressed solidarity. Japan’s Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi issued a statement on 1 September, conveying condolences to the bereaved families and affirming Japan’s support. “Japan stands with the people of Afghanistan and will continue to work on the improvement of the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan,” he said.

With communities devastated and thousands affected, the coming days will be critical as relief organizations race to meet the urgent humanitarian needs while survivors struggle to rebuild their lives amid the aftermath of the disaster.