Afghanistan Earthquake: Thousands of Homes Reduced to Rubble, UN Struggles to Deliver Aid

A devastating earthquake with a magnitude of 6.0 struck Afghanistan on August 31, 2025. The disaster has claimed the lives of over 2,200 people, with the number of fatalities anticipated to increase. The quake has impacted nearly 500,000 individuals, including a large number of children. Many of those affected were previously deported from Pakistan and Iran. According to the UN, 5,230 houses across 49 villages have been completely demolished, and an additional 672 dwellings have sustained partial damage. UN aid teams are still unable to access 362 villages due to impassable roads, thereby hindering damage assessment. The UN’s Humanitarian Office reported a 6.5-hour travel time to cover a distance of 100 km from Jalalabad due to narrow roads and landslides. Relief supplies are struggling to reach those in need. The affected population is facing severe hardships, lacking essential resources such as food, clean water, and proper sanitation. The UN has highlighted the risk of a cholera outbreak due to the prevalence of open defecation. Women and children are particularly vulnerable and urgently require access to clean water, warm clothing, and shelter. The UN is preparing to launch an emergency fund to provide critical aid. The Taliban administration is cooperating with relief efforts, and women are participating in the relief teams.