Afghanistan earthquake: Lack of funding is limiting the scale and speed of response

“The devastating earthquake in eastern Afghanistan, has struck a country already facing multiple humanitarian crises. The situation on the ground is critical. Entire communities are in urgent need of life-saving assistance. 

“The earthquake is not a stand-alone disaster. It hit communities that were already struggling with displacement, food insecurity, drought and the return of hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees from neighbouring countries. Our teams in Kunar province report that families are sleeping in the open, enduring repeated aftershocks. Local resources are stretched to the breaking point and lack of funding is limiting the scale and speed of the humanitarian response.  

“Communities in the valleys have lost almost everything - their families, homes, livestock, and vital water channels. In the aftermath, makeshift camps are sheltering 50 to 100 women and children per tent, with no access to proper wash facilities. Families with children are deeply traumatised, with some children having been trapped under rubble for several hours before being rescued. One of my colleagues met a 70-year-old resident in Norgal who lost 18 members of his family in the earthquake, and is now alone with nowhere to go. 

“Survivors of the earthquake urgently need shelter, food, clean water, and medical assistance. The earthquake has destroyed thousands of homes, and it is a race against time to be able to provide people with adequate shelter before the winter.  

“The earthquake should serve as a stark reminder: Afghanistan cannot be left to face one crisis after another alone. Donors must step up and remain engaged for the long haul — not only to fund life-saving relief, but also to ensure Afghans have a chance at a future beyond perpetual emergency.” 

Notes to editors: 

• Over 1,400 people were killed, more than 3,100 people were injured, and over 5,400 houses were damaged or destroyed as the result of the devastating earthquake that hit eastern Afghanistan on 31 August.  

• NRC staff are on the ground alongside other organisations, conducting joint assessments and delivering emergency assistance. 

• Based on the assessment findings, NRC will provide affected families with   kitchen utilities, blankets, shelter repair kits, hygiene and sanitation kits, cash assistance, and support to ensure access to safe drinking water.  

• Over 1.9 million Afghans have returned from Iran and over 260,000 Afghans returned from Pakistan since January 2025.  

• Photos from the affected area are available for free use here.  
   

 For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact: 

• NRC global media hotline: media@nrc.no, +47 905 62 329