Kabul/Geneva, 1 September – 

A powerful 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck southeastern Afghanistan late on 31 August, causing widespread destruction across Kunar, Nangarhar, and Laghman provinces. Initial reports indicate over 550 fatalities, more than 1,000 injuries, and 600 homes destroyed or damaged. Many families are displaced and in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. 

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is supporting the response. One IFRC staff member is currently en route to the affected areas with the ECHO team to assess needs on the ground.  

The Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) has deployed emergency teams to support people affected, deliver immediate relief and conduct aerial and field assessments. Ambulances are transporting the injured to overwhelmed medical facilities, including the Nangarhar Regional Specialist Hospital, which has reached full capacity. 

Urgent humanitarian needs include: 

• Search and rescue support 

• Emergency healthcare (trauma care, medicines, blood supplies) 

• Food and clean water 

• Road access restoration 

Spokespersons are available for Interviews in Afghanistan, Kuala Lumpur and Geneva.  

For more information or to set up an interview contact: [email protected] 

In Kuala Lumpur: 

Afrhill Rances, +60 19 271 3641 

In Geneva: 

Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 4367 

Hannah Copeland, +41 76 236 9109 

Scott Craig, +41 76 370 3575