A powerful 6.0-magnitude Afghanistan Earthquake struck eastern parts of the country late on August 31, with its epicenter in Kuz Kunar District, Nangarhar, just 27 kilometers from Jalalabad. The quake, hitting at a shallow depth of 8 to 10 kilometers, sent strong tremors across Kabul, Peshawar, Islamabad, Lahore, and even as far as Delhi. Entire villages in Kunar and Nangarhar collapsed, while landslides and heavy rains blocked key roads, leaving rescue teams struggling to reach survivors.
By September 2, officials confirmed at least 1,124 people dead and more than 3,500 injured due to the devastating Afghanistan Earthquake. Kunar province witnessed the highest toll with hundreds of homes completely destroyed, while in Nangarhar and Laghman, families were left homeless and lost precious livestock. In Kabul, residents rushed out of buildings during aftershocks, and aid agencies have warned that the numbers could climb even higher as rescue teams reach remote valleys.
Afghanistan Earthquake: Taliban Leaders Ask for Aid
In the aftermath of the devastating Afghanistan Earthquake, the Taliban has urgently appealed to the international community for life-saving assistance. Health ministry spokesperson Sharafat Zaman stressed the need for ambulances, doctors, and medical supplies, while Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid emphasized that politics should not stand in the way of aid reaching earthquake victims. The foreign ministry confirmed that official requests for help have been sent to China, Iran, and Russia, as disaster officials highlighted the desperate need for helicopters, field hospitals, and heavy machinery to clear the rubble.
Following the Afghanistan Earthquake, several countries and organizations stepped forward with pledges of support. The United Kingdom announced £1 million in emergency funding through UNFPA and the Red Cross. India dispatched 1,000 tents and 15 metric tons of food supplies, while China promised aid tailored to Afghanistan’s urgent needs. Iran committed medical teams and equipment, and both the European Union and Japan also offered assistance. Although the United States expressed condolences, it has not yet provided material aid. Meanwhile, UN agencies and the Red Crescent continue relief efforts, though global funding for Afghanistan has dropped significantly.
On the ground, Taliban helicopters transported the injured from quake-hit regions to hospitals in Jalalabad and Kabul, while the Afghan Red Crescent set up emergency camps and organized blood donation drives. Despite these efforts, officials warned that the crisis caused by the Afghanistan Earthquake cannot be managed without large-scale international support. With more than 22 million Afghans already dependent on humanitarian aid and over half the population living on less than one dollar a day, the earthquake has pushed the nation into an even deeper humanitarian emergency.
FAQs on Afghanistan Earthquake Relief Efforts
What kind of aid has the Taliban requested after the Afghanistan Earthquake?
The Taliban has appealed for urgent international assistance, including ambulances, doctors, medical supplies, helicopters, field hospitals, and heavy machinery to clear debris. They emphasized that politics should not block aid from reaching earthquake victims.
Which countries have sent assistance to Afghanistan after the earthquake?
Several nations stepped forward with support. The UK pledged £1 million through UNFPA and the Red Cross, India sent 1,000 tents and 15 metric tons of food, while China, Iran, the European Union, and Japan also promised help. The United States expressed condolences but has not yet provided aid.
How many people were already in need of humanitarian aid before the earthquake?
Even before the disaster, more than 22 million Afghans required humanitarian aid, with over half the population surviving on less than one dollar a day. The Afghanistan Earthquake has worsened this crisis, creating an even greater need for international support.
What role are local organizations playing in relief operations?
Local groups like the Afghan Red Crescent are setting up camps, organizing blood donations, and transporting injured people with the help of Taliban helicopters. However, officials admit these efforts are not enough without large-scale external assistance.