The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched an emergency appeal to assist people affected by a powerful 6.0 magnitude earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan on August 31. The quake impacted the provinces of Kunar, Nangarhar, and Laghman, affecting over 1.3 million people and causing widespread destruction to homes.
To address the urgent needs, the IFRC is appealing for 25 million Swiss francs to support immediate humanitarian relief and recovery efforts led by the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) through the end of 2027. The response will provide emergency shelter, multi-purpose cash assistance, primary healthcare, and access to clean water for affected families. Medium-term plans include the provision of transitional shelters and support for safe housing to help families rebuild with dignity.
Jagan Chapagain, IFRC Secretary General, emphasized the timing of the disaster, highlighting that it exacerbates an already fragile humanitarian situation in Afghanistan. He stressed the critical need for immediate action to save lives and meet urgent needs, and the importance of sustained international support over the next two years to address the extensive scale of the crisis.
The IFRC is working closely with ARCS, which is leading local response efforts using its network of trained volunteers across the affected areas. Field assessments are ongoing, and mobile health teams are assisting overwhelmed hospitals with first aid and ambulance services. Emergency supplies such as blankets, tents, water containers, and kitchen sets have been pre-positioned in Kabul to rapidly support thousands of families.
The IFRC urges the international community to continue strong support for Afghanistan to meet the growing humanitarian demands and to facilitate long-term recovery for those affected by the earthquake.
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