Afghanistan Earthquake Emergency

On 31^st August, Kunar province was hit by a devastating earthquake, shattering already vulnerable communities. The tremors caused widespread fear as families rushed from their homes in the dark, many sleeping outside in freezing conditions. In remote mountainous areas, the quake triggered landslides that blocked small roads, isolating families who urgently need assistance.  

One of Afghanistan’s most devastating earthquakes in a decade has left hundreds of families in desperate need, many of whom were already living in fragile conditions. They are now facing one of the biggest crises of their lives. 

Entire villages have been reduced to rubble. Families find themselves without shelter, exposed to the elements. Women and children are the most vulnerable, struggling to find safety and comfort in the aftermath of the disaster. Children cry in fear while parents hold them close, unable to provide any warmth or reassurance. 

• Shelter: More than half have lost their homes completely, and others are living in cracked structures that are unsafe to enter. 
• Food and Water: Supplies are extremely limited. Families have little to eat or drink. 
• Health and Safety: Injuries are widespread, yet access to healthcare is scarce. Somewith broken bones or head injuries have not received medical attention due to blocked roads and overwhelmed clinics. Trauma and shock are evident across all age groups. 
• Livelihoods: The earthquake has destroyed small shops, farming lands, and daily wage opportunities. Beneficiaries who relied on these sources of income are now left with nothing. 

• Poor Housing Conditions: Most families in Kunar live in mud-brick or stone houses, which are not earthquake-resistant. These structures collapse easily during tremors. 
• Poverty and Vulnerability: Many beneficiaries already lived in poverty, with limited resources to improve their homes, store emergency supplies, or access healthcare. 
• Geographical Risks: Kunar lies in a mountainous and seismically active zone, making it highly prone to earthquakes and landslides. Villages built on slopes or along rivers face greater risk of destruction. 
• Weak Infrastructure: Limited roads, poor access to healthcare, and lack of emergency preparedness mean survivors cannot receive timely rescue or aid. 

Direct Causes (After the Earthquake) 

• Night-time Quake: The earthquake struck at night, catching families in their sleep. Most could not escape collapsing houses. 
• Building Collapses: Fragile structures were destroyed, leading to high casualties and injuries. 
• Blocked Roads & Landslides: The quake triggered landslides that cut off roads, delaying rescue and medical teams from reaching remote areas. 
• Overwhelmed Health System: The local clinics and hospitals lacked the capacity, staff, and equipment to handle the sudden influx of hundreds of injured people. 
• Cold Weather and Exposure: Survivors who lost their homes are now exposed to harsh weather without adequate tents, blankets, or clothing, increasing risks of illness