The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is scaling up life-saving assistance following the powerful earthquakes that struck eastern Afghanistan. In line with the joint humanitarian appeal, IOM is urgently seeking USD 16.8 million to support 134,000 affected people, many of whom have been displaced. The country is already grappling with multiple crises, and the earthquakes have further strained humanitarian needs.
Immediate priorities include the provision of shelter and winter supplies such as tents, blankets, and heating equipment, as well as emergency healthcare, clean water, sanitation, and mental health and psychosocial support. Women, children, and girls face particular protection risks due to unsafe conditions, lack of privacy, and limited access to essential services. Families left homeless are now sleeping in the open, and with winter approaching, their situation is becoming increasingly dire.
The earthquakes, measuring 6.0 and 6.2 on 31 August and 4 September, caused widespread destruction and blocked access roads with rockfalls. More than 2,100 people lost their lives, 3,600 were injured, 7,000 homes were destroyed, and nearly 500,000 people were affected across Kunar, Nangarhar, and parts of Laghman provinces. According to inter-agency assessments, the scale of devastation has severely impacted communities already facing poverty, displacement, and the return of more than 1.7 million Afghans from Iran and Pakistan this year.
Despite logistical challenges, IOM and its partners have reached over 80 villages in 10 affected districts to identify urgent needs and vulnerable groups. So far, nearly 2,000 families in Kunar and Nangarhar have received emergency aid, with assistance for nearly 3,000 more families on the way. Mobile health and vaccination teams have treated more than 1,200 people, including trauma patients, and provided psychosocial support to nearly 120 individuals.
The affected provinces are home to about 3.7 million people, including nearly 800,000 displaced and returning Afghans, many of whom were already in precarious conditions before the earthquakes. With winter looming, sustained humanitarian support is critical to ensure families have shelter, healthcare, and protection. IOM is calling on donors to urgently step up contributions so the response can meet immediate needs and support recovery during the challenging months ahead.
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