Alert note: Earthquake relief in the Kunar region of Afghanistan

Dansk Afghansk Humanitær Forening has submitted an alert due to an earthquake in Afghanistan.

On the 31st of August 2025, Kunar province was the epicentre of a series of earthquakes reaching 6.0 in magnitude (labelled “strong”) on the Richter scale. On September 4th Said region experienced another quake of magnitude 5.6.

An estimated 2,150 people lost their lives in the initial catastrophe, and more than 3,600 people were injured. It is estimated that around 500,000 people, including 263,000 children, are affected by the disaster across Kunar, Nagarhar and the Laghman provinces. Approximately 6500 homes are destroyed, several key roads are blocked or destroyed on the mountainsides, water and sanitation facilities are destroyed, along with fuel and power supplies, leaving many communities inaccessible.

In the Kunar province, 61,8% of the population live below the poverty line (3 USD per person per day). Many villages are built of mudbricks and dry masonry, which are weak constellations that have collapsed in this area. Many inhabitants cannot afford adeaquate housing or food to sustain their lives in the approaching winter season, emphasising the urgent need for international aid.

The area was remote and inaccessible before the disaster, and the earthquake has worsened access even further. Feeder roads from the main valley are cut off by debris or destroyed by landslides, leaving rescuers to trek or fly expensive helicopters as the only mode of access.