Deep concern as Afghanistan earthquake kills hundreds
World Vision is deeply concerned following the devastating earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan overnight, reportedly killing hundreds and injuring thousands more.
The magnitude 6.0 quake struck at a shallow depth of 10 km (6.2 miles), with its epicentre located 27 km south of Asadabad city in Kunar Province. Tremors were felt across Kabul, Islamabad, and New Delhi.
Preliminary reports from the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority (ANDMA), suggest at least 800 fatalities, with more than 2,000 people injured. These figures are expected to rise.
Entire villages in Chawki and Noorgul Districts have been completely or partially destroyed. Many homes are made with just mud and timber and have collapsed and trapped residents under rubble.
The affected districts are among the most remote in Afghanistan. Landslides have blocked key access routes, and aircraft have been deployed to support rescue operations and evacuate critical patients to Jalalabad and Kabul.
Mobile health and nutrition teams, ambulances, and local volunteers are working alongside NGOs and the military to provide emergency support.
World Vision’s National Director in Afghanistan Thamindri De Silva says the earthquake is another devastating blow for Afghanistan.
“We lived through the 2023 Herat Earthquake, and the effects are still being felt today. We know the impact of this quake will be long-lasting and extremely painful. Children are among the most at risk and will pay the highest price.
“Earthquakes in Afghanistan are especially deadly due to the fragile nature of housing and infrastructure. Most homes are built from mud and timber, making them highly vulnerable to collapse.
“In remote areas, access to healthcare, clean water, and education is already limited. A disaster of this scale exacerbates existing vulnerabilities and deepens humanitarian need,” she says.
Afghanistan is already facing one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, 22.9 million people require humanitarian assistance in 2025 and 3.5 million children are acutely malnourished1 2.
The cutting of foreign aid has contributed to a shortfall of aid in Afghanistan, forcing many humanitarian organisations to scale back operations.
World Vision stands in solidarity with the people of Afghanistan and urges the international community to respond swiftly and generously to this unfolding tragedy.
New Zealanders who would like to support children and families in Afghanistan can do so here.