The long road to recovery: Six months after the quake in Afghanistan's Kunar Province, the memories remain painfully vivid

One month on: IFRC warns of urgent needs as Afghanistan earthquake survivors face harsh winter

Kabul/Kuala Lumpur/Geneva 1 October 2025– One month after a powerful 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck southeastern Afghanistan, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is warning that tens of thousands of families remain without adequate shelter as winter rapidly approaches. The Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS), supported by IFRC and partners, has reached nearly 90,000 people with emergency health care, shelter, food, and cash assistance — but the needs remain immense.The earthquake, which devastated Kunar and Nangarhar provinces and affected neighbouring Laghman and Nuristan, killed more than 2,200 people and left over 8,000 homes destroyed or damaged. Entire communities were flattened in remote, mountainous districts. With more than 1.3 million people directly and indirectly affected, many families are still living in tents, makeshift shelters, or under the open sky.In the immediate aftermath, ARCS mobilized 13 Mobile Health Teams, supported by the IFRC network,providing more than 5,900 outpatient consultations, maternal health care, and psychosocial support. Ambulance services and helicopter evacuations have transferred the severely injured to hospitals in Jalalabad and Kunar, while community volunteers have been delivering first aid and hygiene promotion in hard-to-reach areas. The IFRC has also collaborated closely with the ICRC in its interventions, access to hard-to-reach areas, and external engagement.Temporary camps have been established in Kunar Province, hosting more than 11,000 displaced people, with tents, hot meals, clean water, and essential household items. To date, 15,000 people have received cash assistance to meet urgent needs, while thousands more have received blankets, tarpaulins, hygiene kits, and kitchen sets. Relief efforts have also focused on waste management, safe water provision, and restoring vital access roads blocked by landslides.“Thanks to the dedication of Afghan Red Crescent volunteers and the support of our partners, thousands of families have received lifesaving help. But the reality is that much more is needed,”said Joy Singhal, Interim Head of Delegation, IFRC Afghanistan. “As winter sets in, tents are not enough. Families need safe, warm, and dignified shelter to survive the freezing months ahead.”The IFRC Emergency Appealseeks CHF 25 million, but only 31 per cent has been covered so far. Without additional support, IFRC and ARCS will not be able to scale up shelter construction, winterization, and longer-term recovery efforts. Immediate priorities include winter-ready shelters, food and cash assistance, clean water, health services, and protection for women, children, and the elderly. Over the medium term, families will need transitional housing, livelihoods support, and improved water and sanitation systems to rebuild their lives.Time and again, the people of Afghanistan are grappling with multiple crises at once. The IFRC is running concurrent operations to support families returning from Pakistan and Iran, while also addressing widespread malnutrition and the impacts of recurrent flooding. These overlapping emergencies deepen the vulnerability of earthquake-affected families and stretch already limited resources.“The Afghan people are showing extraordinary resilience, but they cannot do this alone,”said Molavi Ruhullah Mohmand, Acting Secretary General of ARCS. “We urge the international community to stand in solidarity and help us ensure that no family spends this winter without a roof over their heads.”The IFRC is calling on governments, donors, and partners to step up support urgently. Without decisive action in the coming weeks, thousands of families will face the bitter Afghan winter in unsafe conditions, risking further loss of life.For more information or to request an interview, please contact:[email protected] Kuala Lumpur: Afrhill Rances, +60 19 271 3641In Geneva: Nora Peter, +36 70 953 7709

IFRC launches emergency appeal to support Afghanistan earthquake recovery

Kabul/Kuala Lumpur/Geneva, 2 September 2025 -The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is launching an emergency appeal to support people affected by the powerful 6.0 magnitude earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan late on 31 August.The earthquake hit parts of Kunar, Nangarhar, and Laghman provinces, affecting over 1.3 million people and leaving hundreds of homes destroyed or damaged.In response, the IFRC has launched an emergency appeal for 25 million Swiss francs to meet critical humanitarian needs and to support the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) in immediate response and recovery efforts until the end of December 2027.The IFRC and ARCS are launching an integrated response to support earthquake-affected families with emergency shelter, multi-purpose cash assistance, primary healthcare services, and clean water. Medium-term support will focus on transitional shelters and safe housing so families can rebuild their lives with dignity.“This earthquake could not have come at a worse time.The disaster not only brings immediate suffering but also deepens Afghanistan’s already fragile humanitarian crisis.The days ahead are critical to save lives and address immediate humanitarian needs,” said Jagan Chapagain, IFRC Secretary General.“Through this emergency appeal, we are scaling up support to reach as many people as possible. Now, and over the next two years, international support is and will be critical to meet the sheer scale of needs on the ground.”The IFRC is coordinating closely with ARCS, which is leading local response efforts with its trained volunteers and branches across the affected areas. Field assessments are ongoing, and mobile health teams are supporting overwhelmed hospitals with first aid and ambulance services. With IFRC support, ARCS has pre-positioned emergency stocks in Kabul, including thousands of blankets, tents, water containers and kitchen sets, ready to assist thousands of families.The IFRC calls on the international community to maintain strong support for the Afghan people, to meet growing humanitarian needs and support longer-term recovery efforts.For more information, please contact: [email protected] Kuala Lumpur: Afrhill Rances, +60 19 271 3641In Geneva: Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 4367 Hannah Copeland, +41 76 236 9109Scott Craig, +41 76 370 35 75

Afghanistan: Earthquake 2025

A powerful 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan on 31 August, devastating Kunar, Nangarhar, and Laghman provinces. More than 1,100 people have lost their lives, nearly 3,000 are injured, and damaged roads and overwhelmed health facilities leave survivors struggling to access urgent care. The Afghan Red Crescent is on the ground providing emergency relief, but they need urgent support to reach more communities with life-saving aid. Your donation can make a difference – donate now to help the Afghan Red Crescent Society provide life-saving assistance.

Afghanistan: Earthquake 2025

Afghanistan earthquake: IFRC responds to devastating quake in southeastern provinces

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 andconduct 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 supportEmergency healthcare (trauma care, medicines, blood supplies)Food and clean waterRoad access restorationSpokespersons are available for Interviews in Afghanistan, Kuala Lumpur and Geneva. For more information or to set up an interview contact: [email protected] Kuala Lumpur:Afrhill Rances, +60 19 271 3641In Geneva:Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 4367Hannah Copeland, +41 76 236 9109Scott Craig, +41 76 370 3575

Afghanistan population movement: IFRC sounds alarm on severe funding gap 

Kabul/Kuala Lumpur/Geneva, 21 July, 2025 - The IFRC is deeply concerned about the future of people living in and returning to Afghanistan, a country that is already facing multiple, overlapping crises.“If the international community doesn’t step up now, communities in Afghanistan will be overwhelmed by the sheer number of people returning,” said Sami Fakhouri, Head of Delegation, IFRC Afghanistan.More than 2.6 million people have returned from Pakistan and Iran, according to UNHCR data, arriving in a country they must now call home - often with nothing to rebuild their lives.“We’re already having to make tough choices, like whether we have enough funding to continue providing even the most basic support, such as food at the borders for those returning. Right now, only 10 percent of the required funding has been secured,” added Fakhouri.Together with the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) and Red Cross Red Crescent Movement partners, the IFRC aims to shift its focus toward the longer-term resettlement and recovery of returnees.Support at the crossing pointsAt border crossing points, ARCS is supporting returnees with essential provisions including food, clean drinking water, and vital health services to help them withstand extreme heat. Each day, ARCS distributes over 6,000 hot meals at Islam Qala and 500 at Milak in Nimruz province.Mobile health teams provide outpatient care, while mental health teams offer psychological first aid and counselling. A cash-for-work programme also supports hygiene in camps and provides short-term income.Since April, more than 226,000 people have received support from the ARCS and Red Cross Red Crescent Movement partners. But with limited resources and more people arriving every day, the pressure on the ARCS, IFRC, and partners is growing rapidly. Without more funding, even basic services—like meals at the border—may have to stop. Urgent support is needed to sustain this life-saving work.Empowering returneesIn the provinces and communities where returnees settle, the ARCS provides training for both men and women to gradually rebuild their lives and better prepare for the future, for example by learning about agriculture or how to better prepare for natural disasters like flash floods.Three families who returned from Iran and seven families who crossed from Pakistan have joined the ARCS Marastoon programme, which offers vocational training for vulnerable returnee women across eight provinces over a three-year period. These families are just a few examples among the millions of people now facing the difficult process of reintegration in Afghanistan.The programme equips women with practical skills to strengthen self-reliance and create income-generating opportunities, helping them rebuild their lives with dignity. This support is especially vital for Afghan women, who continue to face serious barriers to healthcare, education, and personal safety in a context where their rights remain severely restricted.“As millions return to Afghanistan with almost nothing—no homes, no jobs, and no safety net—this is not only a humanitarian emergency but also a test of our long-term commitment to invest in programmes like Marastoon,” says Fakhouri.Action is needed nowThe ARCS has served communities across Afghanistan for decades, supported by more than 26,000 dedicated volunteers and staff. However, without urgent and increased international support, their ability to respond effectively is at risk.More than immediate aid is needed. To help families move from crisis to sustainable recovery, long-term investment in support programmes is essential, empowering people to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope for the future.For more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected] visual materials from Islam Qala are available.In Kabul Nicole van Batenburg, +31 6 38217459 (WhatsApp)Muqbel Sayed Eshaq +93 70 733 6040In Kuala Lumpur Lili Chin, +60 16 2340872  In Geneva Hannah Copeland, +41 76 236 9109 

Afghan returnees: A story of endurance amidst uncertainty

Fatimah sits quietly, her hands trembling as she speaks."We had to leave Pakistan, which was our home for the past 40 years, and now we have no land, no shelter, and no sense of stability,”shares Fatimah (not her real name), a single mother of five children.“I just want my children to have a safe place to grow—somewhere they can call home. We pray for a better future, for support from the government and the international community."Fatimah’s story is not just hers; it resonates with the stories of countless others who are crossing into Afghanistan from Pakistan, following a March 2025 decision by Pakistan’s government to resume implementation of a law that requires non-citizens to leave the country.The decision has impacted Afghans disproportionately due to the large population of Afghan citizenship card holders living there with varying levels of legal status in the country.Many of the returning Afghans, however, have lived outside of Afghanistan for a long time, some for their whole lives. Many have never set foot in Afghanistan and now have absolutely no idea about where they will live, how they will feed themselves and their families, or educate their children. Much worse, single female heads of households like Fatimah face even greater hardships, as they need to take care of both their children and manage their household responsibilities.A growing crisisThe number of people sharing Fatima’s experience is overwhelming and it’s growing by the day.Since the deportation plan was first implemented in 2023, almost a million Afghan people (972,400 people as of 23 April 2025) have already crossed via the four official crossing points along the border with Pakistan.In April 2025 alone, more than 118,400 Afghans crossed from Pakistan, 25,600 of whom were deported. On average, 4,000 to 6,000 people cross daily, with women and children constituting a sizable female-headed households.As the returnee situation escalated, the IFRC quickly allocated funds from its Disaster Response Emergency Funds (IFRC-DREF) to help with the initial operations. This was followed by the launch of an Emergency Appealthat aimes to raise25 million Swiss francs for delivery of lifesaving support over the next two years. This covers recovery and reintegration efforts, training aimed at building professional skills, and cash-for-work initiatives—laying foundations for rebuilding lives and restoring dignity.The appeals have helped the Afghan Red Crescent Society provide critical support to thousands of returnees. However, more support is needed to ensure people arriving at camps in Afghanistan can survive day to day in the short term and make a full recovery in the longer term.The first step is simple to find a safe place to stay.Upon arriving at the Afghan border crossing points, they are guided to two temporary campsset up by Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS), United Nations agencies and other organizations. The Omari camp is located 6 kilometers from the Torkham border, Nangarhar, and the other is 60 kilometers away in Kandahar (Takht-e Pol).Returnees have to travel to these camps by themselves and so they mainly use local trucks and drivers available at the borders. There are also trucks that provide transportation from Pakistan itself onto Afghanistan.At the temporary camps set up by ARCS, doctors and healthcare volunteers receive returnees and provide them with check-ups, consultations, consultation, food and more.At the border crossing points, ARCS also helps with food distribution, shelter support with tents, healthcare services, information about all other help readily available at the camps by other aid agencies and help with any other pressing needs.Access to basic needsOne of the people who recently arrived is Sadullah, a father of five.“I used to be a shopkeeper in Karachi, where my store was the heart of my family’s livelihood,”he says. “Now, we are forced to return to a land that feels both familiar and foreign. I stand here, lost and afraid, unsure of how to rebuild what we’ve lost.”His words reflect the struggles of many returnees as they grapple with the reality of lost livelihoods and the basic necessities of life—food, shelter, and the means to support their families. Healthcare, for many, feels like a distant dream.Another returnee, Rahimullah, also shares a heart-wrenching story: "I have stomach problems and am now ill. We left everything behind out of fear of detention. My wife died when my baby was only 10 days old and I was left caring for my three daughters and two young sons.”Getting primary health care in the campsAt Omari camp, ARCS (with support from IFRC) treats approximately 700 people with primary healthcare daily, and this includes those who need maternal and child health services such as medical counseling, medicines and injections, and prenatal care.It was here that doctors and midwives of ARCS helped deliver three newborns, whose mothers crossed the border while heavily pregnant.“The midwives are volunteers with Afghan Red Crescent, and they provided lifesaving critical care to the three newborn deliveries in the tent,”one of the ARCS doctor at the camp explains.“They also play a vital role in providing healthcare services to pregnant mothers who perilously cross the border. In addition to this, there are three female nutrition officers in our nutrition section. As of now, we have treated approximately 40-50 women”.Referral and transport to a local hospital is hard as the nearest one is over 100km away.As such, the ARCS medical teams that are present at the camps comprise of both male and female doctors and there are five other Mobile Health Teams of ARCS at the two borders. Aside from healthcare, hundreds of ARCS volunteers are also working to dispense water, set up tents, and provide medical services."It's incredibly heartening to see how even the smallest of our efforts bring relief to families in such difficult times,”says one volunteer at the camp. "Every action helps rebuild hope."

IFRC calls for increased international support as Afghan population movement from Iran intensifies

Herat/Kuala Lumpur/Geneva, 30 June 2025 - The Islam Qala border crossing in western Afghanistan has seen more than 800,000 people from Afghanistan returning from Iran since January 2025. In June alone, over 137,000 people came through Islam Qala, often arriving exhausted and without adequate food, water, or shelter.With rising temperatures, limited resources, and host communities struggling to cope, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is calling for urgent support to meet the needs of those arriving.Afghanistan is already facing many difficulties after decades of conflict, economic problems, and disasters such as earthquakes and floods. Alongside the returnees from Iran, more than 1 million people have also come back from Pakistan since late 2023, putting additional pressure on basic services and humanitarian organizations."This issue hasn’t received the attention it deserves," highlights Alexander Matheou, the Regional Director for Asia Pacific at the IFRC, who visited the border this weekend. "These individuals are not just statistics; they are mothers, fathers, children, and families returning to a country that is already facing significant trials. It’s crucial that we treat them with the dignity they deserve and support them as they work to rebuild their lives."A significant number of returnees are individuals who have spent extended periods—some for decades—in Iran or Pakistan. Their decision to return is influenced by the evolving legal landscape affecting them, challenging economic circumstances and heightened regional tensions impacting those countries.At the border, families endure sweltering temperatures often topping 40°C, armed with the few belongings they could manage to pack. They find shade under blankets, while signs of malnutrition are evident in children, and many mothers appear worn down and anxious.The Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS), is on-site providing vital assistance. They are offering medical care, clean drinking water, and food to those in need. Their mobile clinics are treating at least 500 patients daily, including pregnant women, children, and the elderly. While serious cases are referred to nearby hospitals, the demand for medical supplies is outpacing availability."Many mothers we talk to are incredibly fatigued, with their primary focus on the well-being of their children”, shares an ARCS nurse.Once registered, families are transported to Herat City. Yet, uncertainty looms over their future. Young individuals who are returning to a homeland they barely know, while their families grapple with finding housing, establishing livelihoods, and educational opportunities.Women and girls face heightened vulnerabilities as they return to a country where their rights are significantly restricted. Access to healthcare, education, and safety remains tenuous."As hundreds of thousands return with almost nothing—lacking homes, jobs, and support—it's essential for governments, donors, and aid organizations to step up and provide greater assistance," Matheou emphasizes."Afghanistan is already under considerable strain. With the numbers of returning individuals increasing daily—and even more anticipated in the near future—this is a crucial time for the global community to unite in support of these families.“The Afghan Red Crescent Society and its partners are doing everything within their power, but the needs are immense. There is an urgent requirement for increased funding, supplies, and long-term support to help these families rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. Together, we can make a difference in their journey towards a more secure and prosperous future.”Spokespeople in Afghanistan and audiovisual material in addition to the below are available upon request.Media professionals can find a collection of audio-visual material through this link.For more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected] Kabul:Nicole van Batenburg, +31 6 38217459In Kuala Lumpur:Afrhill Rances, +60 19 271 3641In Geneva:Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 4367 Hannah Copeland, +41 76 236 9109

Muhajira: A girl born on the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan

Salima*- a mother of three and pregnant with a new baby - was one of hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees forced to return from Pakistan to their homeland in the last month.On her harrowing six-day journey from Karachi, Pakistan to Afghanistan, she gave birth on 21 April amidst the chaos at the Afghanistan–Pakistan border, where up to 6,000 desperate people are currently crossing daily.“It was a deeply traumatic experience. I was physically weak, suffering from high blood pressure, and there was no one with the proper training to assist me. There were no doctors, only a few elderly women who tried to help.After giving birth, I lost consciousness for five hours. I’m not even sure what caused me to wake up. When I opened my eyes, my daughter was hungry, but I had no milk to give her because I hadn’t eaten a proper meal in days. I fed her sweet tea just to keep her nourished. She had no clothes, so I wrapped her in a piece of cloth.Two days later, we reached the Takht-e-Pul camp (Anzaki camp) in Kandahar province. Within an hour, the Afghan Red Crescent Society had brought us hot meals and provided a tent for our family. They also gave us a health screening and vaccinated my daughter. For the first time, I was able to rest — even if only briefly — under shelter.”Speaking about her newborn daughter, she says:“I still haven’t decided on a name for her. She was born in an incredibly difficult time and place, and we haven’t had the chance to think about what to call her. She remains unnamed. Sometimes her father affectionately calls her Muhajira (which means ‘the migrant’), because she was born in exile, far from our homeland.”Salima expresses deep concern for her family’s future.“Our future is uncertain and full of hardship. We left Afghanistan due to insecurity and economic collapse. I’ve heard that things are more stable now, but there are still no job opportunities. We have no savings, no home — and I don’t know how we will begin life again. Our only hope lies with charitable organisations and humanitarian aid. We have nothing else to rely on.”She is also deeply worried about her children’s future.“My children were born in Pakistan and don’t have any form of identification. I don’t know how or where to obtain ID cards for them. Their education has already been delayed significantly, and I don’t know how to enroll them in schools here in Afghanistan. We have no shelter in Kabul or Baghlan. We don’t know where to go or how to meet our daily needs.”Salima originally fled Afghanistan around 2010 due to growing insecurity.“We are originally from Baghlan province, where I was born. During the years 2010 and 2011, insecurity in the region intensified. I lost my brother in a roadside explosion. Given the deteriorating security situation and our poor economic conditions, both my husband’s family and my own decided to leave. Job opportunities in Kabul were either extremely limited or nonexistent. Pakistan, as a neighbouring country, seemed like the best available option at the time.”“My husband worked at a car repair shop and earned 15,000 Pakistani rupees per month. Because we were surrounded by family, and my husband and father-in-law had work opportunities, we managed to build a life together. It was a life filled with hardship, but we endured it as a family.”To support the thousands of people returning to Afghanistan - like Salima and her family - the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) allocated 750,000 Swiss Francs from its Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) to support the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) in delivering urgently needed shelter, emergency healthcare, food, and water—basic resources that are now in short supply.The IFRC has also launched a comprehensive Emergency Appeal, aiming to raise 25 million Swiss francs to deliver vital lifesaving aid over the next two years, covering support for recovery and reintegration including income generation activities, vocational training and cash-for-work opportunities.*Name changed to protect identity

IFRC Emergency Appeal launched as Afghan returnee crisis escalates

Kabul/Kuala Lumpur/Geneva, 2 May 2025 – Nearly one million Afghans have made the challenging journey back to Afghanistan from Pakistan in the last 18 months, with almost 145,000 people returning this month alone – a massive eight times more than in February.Upon return, many of these people are confronted with dire conditions, including overcrowded temporary shelters accommodating up to 4 families in one tent. The unprecedented increase in people returning in a short time (an estimated 4,000 to 6,000 people crossing borders daily) is placing immense strain on Afghanistan’s already fragile healthcare system, essential services and food stocks.Initially, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) allocated 750,000 Swiss Francs from its Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) to support the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) in delivering urgently needed shelter, emergency healthcare, food, and water—basic resources that are now in short supply.Given the scale and gravity of this escalating and intensifying crisis, however, the IFRC is now launching a comprehensive Emergency Appeal, aiming to raise 25 million Swiss francs in order to deliver vital lifesaving aid over the next two years, covering support for recovery and reintegration including income generation activities, vocational training and cash-for-work opportunities.The appeal funds will be funneled to the most at-risk and vulnerable returnees, including pregnant women, unaccompanied children, the elderly, those with disabilities, and families lacking shelter. The aim is to mitigate threats such as gender-based violence, malnutrition, and social marginalization— and to ensure that vital assistance reaches those in greatest need.The humanitarian challenges facing returnees are profound and heartbreaking. Many have sacrificed their livelihoods, belongings, and stability in Pakistan, only to face overwhelming difficulties upon their return to Afghanistan. Children, already more at risk, are suffering from malnutrition and urgently require specialized care and nutritional support. In many cases, families have been torn apart during their migration journey, leaving individuals stranded and desperate to reconnect.Salima*, a mother who gave birth to her baby at Spin Boldak Crossing Point in Kandahar while on the move, said:“My children were born in Pakistan and don’t have any form of identification. I don’t know how or where to obtain ID cards for them. Their education has already been delayed significantly, and I don’t know how to enroll them in schools here in Afghanistan. We have no shelter in Kabul or Baghlan. We don’t know where to go or how to meet our daily needs.”Beyond immediate relief, we must act decisively to provide long-term support that empowers people to rebuild their lives, gain access to education, secure livelihoods, and reintegrate into their communities in Afghanistan.Mawlawi Sheikh Shahabuddin Delawar, Acting President of the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS), makes a heartfelt plea for swift action:“Returnees are facing insurmountable challenges—many have lost their homes, livelihoods, and loved ones along their journey. Women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities are particularly vulnerable, and ensuring their safety and dignity must be our highest priority. Through this emergency response, we are dedicated to delivering lifesaving aid now and providing sustainable support that respects their dignity as they work to rebuild their lives.”Ahmed Suliman, the interim IFRC Head of Delegation in Afghanistan, highlighted the urgency of the situation:“This crisis is evolving at an alarming pace, and its impact will resonate with millions of already vulnerable people. Our immediate focus is on delivering essential aid—food, healthcare, and shelter—to those in desperate need. Simultaneously, we are committed to partnering closely with ARCS, Red Cross and Crescent Movement partners and other stakeholders to create long-term solutions that enable returnees to restore their lives and heal from this crisis.”The IFRC urgently calls upon the international community, partners, and donors to unite in support of Afghans during this critical juncture. Your contribution to the Emergency Appeal can make a life-changing difference, ensuring that those who are returning or displaced have the opportunity to rebuild their lives in safety and dignity.*name has been changed to protect identityFor more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected]   Pictures and AV material can be found here.In Afghanistan:  Sayed Eshaq Muqbel: +93 70 733 6040 In Kuala Lumpur: Afrhill Rances: +60 19 271 3641 In Geneva: Hannah Copeland: +41 76 236 91 09

Afghanistan: Population movement (returnees)

Afghanistan: Population movement (returnees)

Since September 2023, nearly one million Afghans, including over 118,400 in April 2025 alone, have returned from Pakistan following the implementation of the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan. A further 1.5 million people are estimated to be affected or at risk in the months ahead. As they arrive in communities already strained by poverty, food insecurity, and limited healthcare, urgent support is needed to help them rebuild their lives safely and with dignity.Your donation will help the Afghan Red Crescent Society provide vital support to returnees and the communities that host them.

Return of Afghans from Pakistan could worsen already dire humanitarian situation

Kabul/Kuala Lumpur/Geneva, 14 April 2025 - After decades of seeking refuge in Pakistan, up to a million Afghans could face return to Afghanistan following a directive by the government of Pakistan which would require all Afghans without valid visas to leave the country by 31 March 2025.In response, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is supporting the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) to address the immediate and longer-term needs of 50,000 people. The IFRC has allocated an initial 750,000 Swiss Francs from its Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) to enable the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) to provide shelter, emergency health services, food and water, all of which are in desperately short supply for Afghans returning from Pakistan.The humanitarian needs of people returning to Afghanistan are high. Many have abandoned their livelihoods and personal belongings in Pakistan. Children, many of whom are already malnourished, need specialized care. Many families have been separated during the journey and need support to restore family links. Longer term support will also be needed to help people to re-establish their lives in Afghanistan. This latest development comes on top of already high numbers of people returning to Afghanistan. Since September 2023, almost 850,000 people have already returned from Pakistan in addition to significant numbers of Afghans also returning from Iran, according to UN data. (Source: https://data.unhcr.org/en/situations/afghanistan).Mawlawi Sheikh Shahabuddin Delawar, the Acting President of the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS), emphasized the urgent need for action.“People returning are facing numerous challenges that they cannot navigate alone. Women and children represent a significant portion of those returning, and ensuring their safety and well-being must be our top priority. As a local organisation with a presence across the country, our aim is to provide immediate relief and long-term support to help people rebuild their lives safely and with dignity.”Ahmed Suliman, the interim Head of Delegation for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in Afghanistan, expressed concern about the potential scale of the crisis:“This dynamic situation will impact millions of people. Addressing immediate needs - such as food, healthcare, and shelter – is our top priority, while also planning to support people in the longer-term. The IFRC and National Societies are working alongside ARCS to tackle these challenges and provide tailored support people most in need.”Currently, conditions in Afghanistan are not conducive for sustainable return and reintegration of large numbers of people, amid high levels of malnutrition and a struggling economy. There are also millions of internally displaced people in the country. Existing humanitarian support is insufficient to meet current needs and will only come under more pressure as higher numbers of people return. In Afghanistan, support for people returning is part of a broader humanitarian response, addressing the needs of both returnees and communities in places of return. The Afghan Red Crescent Society, as a local humanitarian organisation, is well placed to understand the evolving needs and priorities of returnees at various points along the return process. IFRC emphasizes that all returns must be voluntary, safe and dignified.   IFRC also calls on the international community to provide adequate support to meet the growing humanitarian needs of people returning to Afghanistan.For more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected]  For more information on IFRC’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund: https://www.ifrc.org/happening-now/emergency-appeals/ifrc-disaster-response-emergency-fundIn Afghanistan:  Sayed Eshaq Muqbel: +93 70 733 6040In Kuala Lumpur: Lili Chin: +60 16 234 0872In Geneva: Scott Craig, +41 76 370 3575

Afghanistan: One year after devastating quakes in 2023, residents get keys to a new life

It was a celebration of resilience and the possibility of a new life. In early November 2024, people in the Gulran and Zinda Jan districts of Herat, Afghanistan, gathered to mark the completion of 288 newly built homes.The new dwellings were constructed by the Afghan Red Crescent, the IFRC and other local partners for people who lost their homes due to a devastating series of quakes that hit the region in October 2023.Attended by staff members of the IFRC, the Afghan Red Crescent, the provincial governor of Herat, and local media, the event also acknowledged the resilience of families who faced so much devastation after the earthquake – some losing many family members.After receiving the keys to their new homes, the families began the process of moving in.“We are so happy to have a new home,” said Fahima, a 45-year-old woman whose family now has a safe place to live. “We have been staying in tents, but now we have proper shelter.”“When the earthquake wiped away our house and belongings, we lost everything,”she added. “We struggled to find food to survive, and our children had to sleep in tents. We are eight family members, and now, with this home, our lives are so much better compared to what we endured before the earthquake.” ‘Terrifying nights’Gulalai (not her real name), from Shakar Ab village in the Gulran District, says the new shelter offers her family a chance to start again."We are a family of 11," she shared, recalling the chaotic moments during the quake. “When the earthquake struck, we fled our home and sought refuge outdoors. We faced terrifying nights in makeshift accommodations, terrified for our safety. At least now we have a proper home just nearby, and I can say with certainty that we are going to start a new life in our new home.”Before getting access to her new home, she and her three children resorted to huddling together under a tattered blanket. The weight of fear and helplessness as they struggled to endure the cold nights without shelter or security still plagues her.The 40-year-old mother's home in Zinda Jan was reduced to ruins by a disaster that left its mark across four provinces, claiming over 2,000 lives and ravaging 382 villages in ten districts.In the wake of the disaster, the IFRC developed a comprehensive shelter strategy in which support was provided through conditional cash grants, with people from the affected communities carrying out the construction work. They were aided by masons, volunteers, social mobilisers, and engineers from ARCS and IFRC.Religious scholars and key community members were also included in many stages of the planning and execution.“It took about seven months, and the shelter work was completed,” says Hafiz Sadat, an IFRC Senior Shelter Officer who managed the project and provided technical support to the ARCS team.‘It was catastrophic’Ghulam Mahboob, a 45-year-old resident of Shakar Ab village, reflects on the devastation caused by the earthquake."It was catastrophic; many people lost their lives and their homes," he says. "We had no choice but to live for a very long time in the tent provided by the ARCS. Well, our shelters are finally ready, and we are very grateful to ARCS and everyone who helped address our most pressing needs. We still face urgent challenges in other areas, such as access to electricity, clean drinking water, and education for our children."At the onset of the earthquake, the IFRC shelter, and disaster response teams were deployed to the impacted areas and, in collaboration with the ARCS, emergency items, cash, psychosocial support were delivered to the affected families.While medical care, psychosocial support, water and sanitation were the most immediate needs, there were other needs as many of the people who kept family and community life going lost their lives during the quake.“Both my sons have lost their wives in the earthquake,”said one elderly man. “Not only is there is no one to help make bread for the family, but there is no cooking and heating equipment as well. My sons and I must go outside of the village to earn a living.”Even with the new homes, therefore, the families still face many challenges ahead. For this reason, the IFRC and ARCS continue their commitment to accompany the impacted families in their path to recovery.That support has been consistent since the beginning. With support from the IFRC, the ARCS has reached 2,100 households with emergency shelters and household items such as tents or tarpaulins, blankets, jerry cans, kitchen sets and sleeping pads. Overall, the ARCS provided a wide range of assistance to more than 87,000 people.Much of this support was made possible by resources mobilized through a comprehensive IFRC Emergency Appeal that addressed the impacts of multiple shocks, including severe drought, flooding, public health emergencies, economic hardship and the Herat earthquakes. See a more detailed description of the appeal and response operations here.Text by IFRC senior communications officers Sayed Eshaq Muqbel and Rachel Punitha

Afghanistan: Child malnutrition amidst economic hardship and climate disasters

Kabul/Kuala Lumpur/Geneva – Mobile health teams and fixed clinics run by the Afghan Red Crescent Society are recording alarming cases of acute malnutrition in children, especially in areas where communities are concurrently facing household economic instability, in addition to bearing the brunt of climate-related disasters and the effects of a decades-long conflict.Data from ARCS health facilities and anecdotal accounts shared by Red Crescent frontliner staff and volunteers underline the calls made by other humanitarian agencies, including UNICEF and Save the Children, that funding support is critical to saving the lives of thousands of children. Estimates provided in the beginning of the year indicated that some 2.9 million children aged under five could suffer from acute malnutrition in 2024.Dr. Mohammad Nabi Burhan, Secretary General of the ARCS, says: “The scale of malnutrition in our country is staggering, based on the numbers our mobile health teams and fixed clinics are registering. Severe acute malnutrition can be fatal if left untreated so it is imperative that we take urgent action to save as many lives as we can.”As part of their routine services, ARCS mobile health teams and fixed clinics undertake malnutrition screening, distribute ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTF), provide education to communities on how to prevent malnutrition, and refer severe cases for treatment by specialised agencies or in better-equipped hospitals.“Our frontline workers are telling us that dozens of children are not getting timely treatment because our Movement partners have not received sufficient funding to scale up services. This cruel reality leaves three unfortunate options for children who are at most risk: stunted growth, wastage, or death. We must do our best, collectively, to ensure better options for our children,” adds Dr. Mohammad Nabi Burhan.The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is releasing 500,000 Swiss francs from its Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) to contribute to urgent life-saving interventions by ARCS.Necephor Mghendi, Head of IFRC Afghanistan Delegation, who visited some of the ARCS mobile health teams and fixed clinics in Kandahar two weeks ago, says: “Within the span of an hour I spent with Red Crescent frontliners operating a mobile health team in the Panjwayi district of Kandahar, two out of five children screened had severe acute malnutrition. Parents of these children said they lacked adequate income to obtain food, had already sold assets to survive, and that humanitarian assistance was their last resort.”“Malnutrition in early childhood could lead to long-term physical or cognitive disability. We need to prevent these lasting impacts on children we are able to assist, together with the ARCS,” Necephor Mghendi adds.The IFRC and ARCS are also rolling out programmes aimed at enhancing the capacity of communities and preparing them to withstand future difficulties, such as climate shocks like drought and harsh winters.Dr. Mohammad Nabi Burhan, Secretary General of the ARCS, says: “Even as we support affected children to receive urgent treatment, we must provide durable solutions in a manner that also tackles root-causes and vulnerabilities. These communities have faced head-on crises one after another, yet with sustained multisector support we can support them to become self-reliant and more resilient.”Longer-term ARCS programmes integrate primary and community health services, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions, livelihood assistance, disaster preparedness, disaster risk reduction measures, support for widows, and climate change adaptation, among others.For more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected] Afghanistan: Sayed Eshaq Muqbel +93 707 336 040In Kuala Lumpur: Afrhill Rances +60 19 271 3641In Geneva: Hannah Copeland +41 76 236 9109

Severe flooding in Afghanistan escalates humanitarian needs

Kabul/Kuala Lumpur/GenevaThe International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is scaling up an emergency response to deal with the latest series of deadly floods in Afghanistan which have exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation.Unusually heavy spring rains and floods have killed hundreds and destroyed thousands of homes and livestock. Over half of Afghanistan, 25 out of 34 provinces, has been affected, with Baghlan province alone suffering over 200 fatalities so far. Thousands of displaced people have no homes to return to after their houses were swept away.Volunteers of the ARCS were among the first responders on the scene, supporting rescue efforts, bringing men, women and children to safer locations. They’ve also been providing hot meals and sleeping items to those fleeing the deluge. The IFRC, working hand in hand with the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS), has mobilized additional relief goods from the capital.The Afghan Red Crescent is scaling up its effort to ensure cooked meals and temporary shelter for those displaced, emergency health services, and other forms of assistance.This latest disaster is happening within the context of what is already one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, where communities are already barely able to cope.“The level of suffering in Afghanistan is already beyond words. Our emergency response will focus on life-saving essential needs, while also gearing to support affected households in early recovery as well as equipping first responders to cope better with rapid onset disasters in the future”, said Necephor Mghendi, Head of the IFRC Country Delegation.“This new disaster is piling yet more pressure on a country already battered”. Mawlawi Mutiul Haq Khales, the Acting President of Afghan Red Crescent Society, added:“Our volunteers were the first on the scene and have excellent knowledge of the area and needs. Our focus is now on making sure we can act as fast as possible to support the victims, bearing in mind the scale of the floods across the country and that there may yet be worse to come. Many of those affected are extremely poor and will be waiting and looking toward our support”.International support is urgently needed to scale up this response. On 4 May, the IFRC allocated 750,000 Swiss francs from its Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) for the initial response. However, the DREF-financed operation covers only 11 provinces of the 25 affected provinces, excluding Baghlan, and much more needs to be done.In coordination with the ARCS and other partners of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the IFRC has dispatched multi-sector teams to the hardest-hit areas for relief aid and rapid assessments. These teams are also focused on delivering emergency health services, distributing food and non-food items and establishing temporary shelters.The rains followed an uncharacteristically late winter and cold wave and have significantly impacted lives and livelihoods – particularly the agriculture and livestock sectors.The IFRC response to the floods will not only focus on immediate relief efforts but also support recovery operations across the impacted regions. This includes providing emergency shelter, healthcare, water, hygiene, and sanitation support, and supporting people to rebuild as well as restore their livelihoods.“The floods are yet another reminder that the international community needs to have a radical rethink about its approach to Afghanistan by tackling the root causes of vulnerabilities. This includes investing in strengthening early warning systems, capacity building, and programmes that can spur economic regeneration so that communities can respond better to future similar shocks with resources available locally,” Necephor Mghendi added.The IFRC has launched an Emergency Appeal for 5 million Swiss francs to fund critical interventions and to scale up the ARCS's ability to assist affected populations. The appeal also supports the foundation for programmes to address long-term recovery and resilience, considering that the scale and frequency of climate-related events will increase.More informationTo request an interview, please contact: [email protected] Kuala Lumpur:Afrhill Rances: +60 19 271 3641In Geneva:Tommaso Della Longa: +41 79 708 43 67Andrew Thomas: +41 763676587

IFRC: Urgent need to rethink humanitarian approach in Afghanistan

Kabul/Kuala Lumpur/Doha/Geneva, 3 May 2024 – The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan is gravely deteriorating, and a new approach is urgently needed. Without a radical rethink of approaches to humanitarian aid, the root causes of the crisis cannot be tackled sustainably. Time and funding are running out.The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the Afghan Red Crescent Society are calling for an urgent strategic reset in humanitarian approaches to Afghanistan. This call comes ahead of a partnership meeting hosted in Doha by the Afghan Red Crescent Society in cooperation with the Qatar Red Crescent Society and attended by participating national societies from Britain, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Norway, Sweden, Singapore, and Türkiye, as well as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China.Mawlawi Mutiul Haq Khales, the Acting President of the Afghan Red Crescent Society, said:"Communities are lurching from crisis to crisis at a time when their resilience is sub-zero and their coping mechanisms are exhausted. We ask our valued partners to take a long-term view and commit to tackling the root causes of the humanitarian crisis sustainably by investing in Afghan capacity, people, and systems.”“The needs of over 24 million people are vast and interconnected. Many have been caused by a combination of lingering impacts from decades-long conflict, climate shocks, and a deep economic crisis. The country’s resources are stretched, but capacities exist, and it is important that solutions are implemented to address the root causes of all these overlapping needs.”Alexander Matheou, IFRC Regional Director for Asia Pacific, has recently visited some of the life-changing programs delivered by the Afghan Red Crescent Society for women and children in Kabul and Kandahar. Speaking from the capital, he said:“We have been responding with emergency aid in Afghanistan for years now, and it is time for a rethink. We need to focus on Afghan institutions like the Afghan Red Crescent, which have a permanent role in the country. Their capacity is durable and will serve people before and after aid operations. We need to adapt our programming to focus on resilience and economic independence while still showing solidarity and providing assistance after sudden shocks like the Herat earthquake and the current floods.”He went on to reiterate the IFRC’s call for investment in people:“With limited access to education and jobs, we need a focus on youth, on professional and vocational training, and other learning opportunities—interventions designed to boost confidence and give hope. Otherwise, the future really does look grim.”More information:To request an interview, please contact: [email protected] Afghanistan:Mir Abdul Tawab Razavy: +93 747 407 027In Kuala Lumpur:Lili Chin: +6016 2340872In Geneva:Mrinalini Santhanam: +41 76 381 50 06

World Immunization Week: Delivering vaccines and trustworthy information to communities around the world

A mother of four and restaurant owner from Dabola, in central Guinea, Diaraye says she felt scared about vaccines. She didn’t think she had enough information and she’d heard rumours about harmful side effects.Several health workers came to visit her to try and convince her to vaccinate her newborn, Madiou, but she still felt uneasy.That was until she met Bérété, a Guinea Red Cross supervisor with theCommunity Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Programme (CP3).A mother herself, Bérété connected with Diaraye and patiently explained how vaccinating her own children has kept them safe from diseases. She responded sensitively to Diaraye’s concerns.Newly informed and confident, Diaraye agreed for Bérété to take baby Madiou for his first immunizations. Since then, Diaraye has become a champion for vaccination within her community.“My advice to mothers is to agree to their children getting vaccinated," says Diaraye. "Since the Red Cross came to help me vaccinate my baby, I’ve seen that it’s good for children. And I tell all mothers to go and get their children vaccinated at the health centre.”A global story, playing out locally, house-by-houseDiaraya’s story is far from unique. People around the world often don’t have access to life-saving vaccines, do not have all the facts about how they work, or don’t know who they can trust to give them accurate and unbiased information.This is why trusted community organizations, like Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, are playing a critical role in reaching out at the local level, providing trustworthy information while enabling access to vaccines in places that are underserved by health services. In many cases, they are in the midst of ongoing emergencies.This year, World Immunization Week revolves around the theme of Humanly Possible, also the name of a global campaign to celebrate and build on the achievements made in protecting people from preventable diseases during the last 75 years.For its part, the IFRC is redoubling efforts to bring awareness and vaccines to people in vulnerable situations — conflict, outbreaks, forced migration, natural disaster — or who lack access to immunization services for whatever reason.The approach varies to meet the specific situation of each county. They also span the globe, from National Societies in Guinea, Afghanistan, Pakistan, andKyrgyzstan,and many others. Here are a few more examples of the ways Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are taking on a wide range of very different immunization challenges.Philippine Red Cross takes on another measles outbreakThe Philippine Red Cross Society (PRCS) has been supporting the government of ThePhilippinesin responding to a measles outbreak by vaccinating more than 15,000 children ages 6 months to below 10 years old with measles vaccine.As of April 14, 2024, the Philippine Red Cross has vaccinated more than 15,500 children, mobilizing a total of 131 volunteers (35 vaccinators and 96 support volunteers) in 85 communities in four provinces.The PRCS’ measles outbreak response is being donein collaboration with the ICRC, which also has a long-time presence in theBangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, an area where people are impacted by internal conflict. Because of low immunization rates in the area, It's also one of the main places in the country where the measles outbreak is happening.The PRCShas been part of other polio and measles outbreak responses and plans to expand this current operation by deploying vaccination teams from other chapters, with the help ofresources from the IFRC and the United States Center for Disease Control.Using innovation to improve access to immunization in ThailandThe Thai Red Cross Society (TRCS), meanwhile, has been using technology in innovative ways tobring immunization services to people who would not otherwise have access to immunization services.In Thailand, many displaced people and undocumented residents are living without proper forms of identification required to access vaccination services. To address the health gap, TRCS partnered with the Department of Disease Control of the Ministry of Public Health and Thailand’s National Electronics and Computer Technology Center to develop the Thai Red Cross Biometric Authentication System.This system uses a biometric authentication system, using face and iris recognition technology — while still ensuring data privacy — to accurately identify and register vaccine recipients.This allows people without official documentation to still receive vaccines and it enables a way to keep a record of the vaccinations received.Using this technology, TRCS reached 20,000 adolescent girls (specifically ethnic minorities, migrants, and refugees) living in temporary shelters across the country with 40,000 doses of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. This helped to significantly decrease their chances of getting HPV, a major, but vaccine-preventable cause of cervical cancer.If this can be expanded, more displaced persons and undocumented residents can be assured to have access to their next essential vaccine, such as a booster shot.Local presence, ready to prevent and respondOver the long term, immunization campaigns are only fully effective if they are of high quality and result in high rates of coverage. The challenge now is to improve and strengthen routine immunisation to better prevents future outbreaks, while also ensuring there is capacity in place to respond quickly and engage communities — if and when outbreaks occur.This is why the work of National Societies is so critical. As national organizations with widespread local presence, they are ideally suited to work with local and national health authorities and communities to build trust while delivering consistent access to immunization. The video below shows how the Pakistan Red Crescent brings immunization through local clinics.Back in Guinea, Red Cross volunteer Bérété continues to visit Diaraye to make sure her son Madiou is doing well, as part of her work engaging members of her community on how to protect themselves and their families.“We keep supporting her, because every time I send her child to hospital to be vaccinated, I never forget to follow up,”explains Bérété. “Every morning I come to see her to check on the child. Because you can’t just vaccinate a child and leave without following up. If she can see that you are there for her at all times, she will have the courage” to keep up with necessary immunizations in the future.

World Immunization Week: Afghan Red Crescent mobile health teams bring life-saving immunization and care to people in remote areas

Muhammad Taher, a 40-year-old farmer and his family of eight children, is among the many families who have received life-saving immunization and medical care from Afghan Red Crescent Society mobile health teams.Getting any sort of healthcare in Muhammad Taher’s district, Nahr Seraj of Helmand province, has been a tremendous challenge for decades. Nahr Seraj is four-hour drive from the nearest city, Lashkar Gah, southwestern Afghanistan.For more than two decades now, public health care services in Afghanistan have relied on international financing while the last mile is delivered by various local humanitarian actors.As the IFRC marks World Immunization Week 2024, which this year has a theme of Humanly Possible, the Afghan Red Crescent’s efforts to bring healthcare and immunization to remote rural areas is a impressive example of what can be achieved through consistent, dedicated local presence.Following the historic events that took place in August 2021, a major strain was put on the public health system as donors reorganized their financing models. The transition stretched the system significantly, but a total collapse was prevented through solutions which have enabled continuation of primary and secondary health services.The Afghan Red Crescent Society is one of the local actors engaged in the delivery of primary and secondary health services in the country.The National Society’s network of more than 200 health facilities includes 97 mobile health teams, 46 fixed basic health clinics, 28 sub health clinics, one comprehensive health clinic, and a district hospital. There are also more than 40 health camps supporting routine immunization efforts in various provinces.Life-saving pre-natal care, medication and vaccinationThe ongoing economic hardship means that Taher, and countless others, are unable to pay medical bills or even reach the health facilities located in Afghan cities."My pregnant wife and three of my little girls fell ill recently and needed urgent healthcare but I couldn't afford to take them to the city hospital,” said Taher.“I approached my relatives and neighbours to lend me some money for [the trip], but none were able to help because they too were undergoing tremendous economic hardship.“Finally, one of my relatives mentioned that an Afghan Red Crescent Society mobile health team was operating in our village and suggested that I take my sick family members there.“Without wasting any time, I rushed back home and took my wife and children to where the teams were located. Thankfully my wife was able to get her prenatal checkup done by a midwife, my sick daughters were examined by a doctor and received free medication, and my other children got vaccinated,” he explained in relief.Vital support from partnersAfghan Red Crescent Society health facilities are supported by several partners, including the IFRC. For instance, in 2022 the IFRC provided funding for 47 mobile health teams which delivered primary healthcare and immunization services at least 500,000 people, among them women and children, in rural and remote areas of Afghanistan such as Taher’s district.The 47 mobile health teams have so far operated in many remote provinces including Nangarhar, Kunar, Nooristan, Kandahar, Helmand, Urozgan, Parwan, Sar-e Pol, Bamyan, Paktika, Wardak, Nimrooz, Herat, Badghis, and Jawzjan in the past years.Taher is certain that his family is now much safer after their visit to the Afghan Red Crescent mobile health unit.“My wife and my children are precious to me, and I can't imagine my life without them,” he said. “When they get sick, I get so worried since I have previously lost a close family member because we were unable to reach a doctor in time.“I can't express how grateful I am to the Afghan Red Crescent Society for sending a mobile health team to our village. They are providing life-saving help to people like us in remote rural areas where access to healthcare facilities is so constrained or totally non-existent."In 2023, the IFRC supported the Afghan Red Cresent in administering more than 390,000 doses of vaccines to children under 59 months of age.This included vaccinating more than 5,000 children in their second year of life (12 to 23 months of age) with measles vaccines as part of catch-up efforts, and giving some 46,000 oral polio vaccine doses to children aged between 24 to 59 months as part of intensive efforts to halt wild poliovirus transmission.IFRC’s support to the Afghan Red Crescent is part of its commitment, expressed in the IFRC Health and Care Framework 2023, to support National Societies in reaching “more than six million zero dose children globally and to reinforce both polio eradication efforts and routine immunization strengthening in multiple countries”.National Societies and the IFRC work together to expand routine immunizations to children through integrated service delivery and community engagement approaches. Trusted local healthcare volunteers work within at-risk communities to ensure children receive life-saving vaccinations for preventable diseases such as polio, measles and cholera.Words by Mir Abdul Tawab Razavy | Editing by Rachel Punitha

Afghanistan: Three months after Herat earthquake, an urgent need for shelter

By Mir Abdul Tawab Razavy and Rachel Punitha The earthquakes that struck the western Afghan state of Herat in October 2023 destroyed homes and claimed lives over a wide swath of mountainous terrain — from the state’s main city, Herat, all the way to mountain villages miles away. The epicentre was recorded near a mountain range just west of Herat state, resulting in widespread destruction in more than 380 villages. Many of the lives lost were women and children. Surviving family members found themselves thrust into the harsh reality of loss and despair, with winter approaching and their homes in ruins. Once the proud caretakers of small flocks of sheep, families now face the daunting challenge of rebuilding their lives and livelihoods. But their most immediate plea is for safe, warm shelter as temperatures continue to drop. “We need help with rebuilding our homes,” villagers consistently tell Afghanistan Red Crescent and IFRC teams that visit the villages and offer a wide range of support. More support urgently needed The Afghan Red Crescent, along with the IFRC, have been working together to help the people rebuild their homes and make sense of what has happened. Afghan Red Crescent has deployed over 200 staff and volunteers, reaching more than 112,000 people across 40 villages with emergency shelter, household items, food, health services, and WASH items. The food assistance they’ve provided has reached over 7,300 households, whille cash assistance valued at more than $US 22,000 (AFN 1,568,000) has been provided to 410 families. Health services, including mental health and psychosocial support, have been extended to over 12,000 people, supported by the Danish Red Cross, Norwegian Red Cross, and IFRC. At the early onset of the earthquakes, more than 15,000 emergency shelter items (tarpaulins or tents) were distributed, while Red Cross Red Crescent teams’ staff and volunteers work round the clock to work out proper permanent shelter solutions. Since then, shelter engineers have been deployed to the areas and are assessing their shelter needs for immediate procurement. In collaboration with ARCS, the IFRC has mobilized additional financial support for Herat through its network and the larger Emergency Appeal for the Afghanistan Humanitarian Crisis. Meanwhile, IFRC-DREFhas increased its contribution to the emergency appeal by an additional CHF 750,000, raising the total IFRC-DREF contribution to the Afghanistan crisis to CHF 2,500,000. But more is still needed to meet the needs identified by the appeal and to ensure people in Herat state have what they need to get through nights of bitter cold. Digging to stay warm In one mountainside village, Abdul Qayoum, is grappling with the responsibility of four children, including two very young toddlers. As their tent offered little defense against the biting cold and relentless winds, especially during the night, his children have been shivering night after night. With no other options, Abdul Qayoum began laboring tirelessly, digging into the unforgiving ground in a desperate attempt to create a more secure space, into which he could settle in with his children so that the winds howl past them. His eyes reflected a mixture of determination and despair while he explained his family’s plight. In this village, IFRC teams also witnessed a group of mothers and grandmothers who were attempting to put up a tent with their bare hands in the cold. They were hoping that it would withstand the fierce, night winds. More resilient shelter Afghan Red Crescent and IFRC shelter teams have been working urgently along with other humanitarian organisations to approve a shelter design that can be constructed locally and will be able to withstand further shocks. “We will be including volunteers from villages and local masons from the cities in our training sessions on how to mount proper bracing for the walls of their new shelters,” says an IFRC Shelter specialist deployed to Herat. “The homes that were destroyed in the earthquake were all made of mud or clay and were built by hand. Unfortunately, that is why they were reduced to rubble so fast. “Now we want to make sure that they know how to include metal or even wood bracings in their walls and roofs so that their homes can withstand a greater degree of shock.” ‘My only hope’ In the meantime, people are trying to maintain hope even as they grieve for what they have lost. 45-year-old Halima [not her real name], says she is able to enjoy some warmth for a short while, when she cooks in her tent as a means to keep warm. She admits this is not very safe, but she has no other option. Halima had adopted a young boy from her community as she did not have any children of her own. This is one of the many ways that people look out for each other in the community, she says. Sadly, her adopted son lost his life in the earthquake. “He was my only hope,” she says, with an expression of deep anguish.

Crisis upon crisis: Devastating earthquakes strike Afghanistan as IFRC calls for urgent support

Kabul/Kuala Lumpur/Geneva, 12 October – Afghanistan faces an escalating humanitarian crisis following a devastating series of earthquakes. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) urgently reiterates its call for immediate action and international support, emphasizing that an existing appeal for 120 million Swiss Francs remains critically underfunded, with only 36 percent raised. The Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS), in coordination with the IFRC and other partner Red Cross Red Crescent Societies, was among the first to respond. Their rapid interventions included emergency medical aid, essential non-food supplies, temporary shelter and rescue operations in the affected provinces. Mawlawi Mutiul Haq Khales, the Afghan Red Crescent Society Acting President, said: "The situation in the country is already extremely dire. People were just starting to recover when another series of massive earthquakes hit us, all within less than a week. On top of that, winter is coming, and there's an urgent need for shelter, food and healthcare." The earthquakes hit the western part of Afghanistan, and primarily affected Badghis, Ghor, and especially Herat, registering a magnitude of 6.3. Sadly, another earthquake of the same magnitude followed four days later, causing further destruction and loss of lives. These events resulted in significant casualties, destroyed homes, and displaced many individuals. This catastrophe exacerbates Afghanistan's existing humanitarian crises of severe drought and economic hardship. Speaking from the backdrop of his visit to the affected parts of Herat this week, Alexander Matheou, IFRC Regional Director for Asia Pacific, remarked: “What we are seeing on the ground is a chilling scene: three affected villages which I visited two days ago have been reduced to absolute rubble, with not a single house left standing. Our teams on the ground say this is the picture in several other villages. These early observations underscore that the full extent of the damage is yet to be realized.” "The Afghan Red Crescent Society's tireless efforts in this catastrophic situation cannot be overstated. They've been first responders, reaching affected areas swiftly and delivering crucial assistance. We have managed to redirect essential supplies and mobile health facilities to the most impacted areas within a day, thanks to our network of trained volunteers and responders.” Immediate needs include food aid, cash assistance, emergency shelter and household items. There is also a focus on emergency health care, mental support and clean water and sanitation. Further assessments are ongoing to determine the disaster's entire impact and to strategize for emerging needs like shelter repair, livelihood recovery, and facility rehabilitation. Alexander Matheou added: “The full scale of the tragedy is still unfolding, and international support is urgently needed. Afghanistan can't be a footnote in a world already grappling with multiple crises. Every contribution counts, especially now, when our resources are already stretched to their limits." In light of the growing demands, the IFRC is revising its appeal for 120 million Swiss Francs to aid the ongoing efforts of the Afghan Red Crescent Society. Currently, this appeal remains severely underfunded, with only 36 percent of the required funds raised. Contributions can be made through participating national societies or directly via the IFRC website. More information To request an interview, please contact: [email protected] In Afghanistan: Mir Abdul Tawab Razavy: +93 747 407 027 In Kuala Lumpur: Afrhill Rances: +60 192 713 641 In Geneva: Mrinalini Santhanam: +41 76 381 50 06 Tommaso Della Longa: +41 79 708 43 67 

Homa Nader: Bringing hope to the people of Afghanistan

In this episode, we explore the dire humanitarian situation in Afghanistan with Homa Nader, Manager of Strategic Engagement and Partnership in the IFRC country office in Kabul. Four years of drought, economic sanctions and the legacy of conflict are just a few of the factors that have left some 34 million Afghans facing extreme hardship. We spoke with Homa about the daily challenges for average Afghans, theparticular difficulties for women, and about the critical and inspiring work of Red Crescent volunteers in helping people cope.

Flooding around the world: Red Cross and Red Crescent teams responding

In recent weeks, floods have been hitting communities and making headlines around the world. Let’s take a look at some of the countries dealing with flooding and see how Red Cross and Red Crescent teams are helping people who have been affected. Slovenia Torrential rains over the past couple of weeks have affected two-thirds of Slovenia, prompting the country’s Prime Minister to declare it the ‘biggest natural disaster’ in the country’s history. The floods have killed three people and destroyed bridges, roads and houses - causing an estimated 500 million euros of damage. Volunteers from the Slovenian Red Cross have been delivering food, water and medicine to people affected by the floods – often on foot, since it’s the only way to reach many isolated communities. They’re also accompanying people staying in temporary shelters. The Czech Red Cross, Croatian Red Cross, Hungarian Red Cross and Polish Red Cross have all shown solidarity by sending additional food, water and hygiene items into the country to help with the response. Norway In Norway, Norwegian Red Cross volunteers are helping people affected Storm Hans, which is causing havoc across the south of the country – bringing extreme rain, landslides and floods. Volunteers are assisting with evacuations, running emergency ambulances, delivering food to isolated people and building sandbag flood defences. Many local branches remain on high alert, with more volunteers standing by to support as the situation develops. Sudan With millions reeling from the ongoing conflict in Sudan, communities across White Nile state have also now been impacted by heavy rains and flash floods. Torrents of water swept away and destroyed everything in their path. Families have lost homes and belongings, and many are resorting to sleeping outside in the open air. Shelter and clean water are needed urgently. Sudanese Red Crescent Society volunteers, who have already been responding to people’s needs during the conflict, are assessing the situation closely to provide additional support. China Torrential rains and floods have hit East Asia severely this summer, including areas of north, northeast and southern China. Beijing has seen the largest rainfall experienced in the city in the past 140 years. Disaster relief teams from the Red Cross Society of China are helping people in flood-stricken areas – supporting with clean-up and recovery, as well as distributing household items, quilts, waterproof jackets and more. Philippines In the Philippines, Typhoons Doksuri and Khanun (known locally as Egay and Falcon) have brought devastating floods. An estimated 313,000 people have been displaced by Doksuri alone, and more than 25 people have sadly lost their lives. Philippine Red Cross volunteers have been bringing relief supplies, meals, medical assistance and psychosocial support to affected communities. Afghanistan Flash floods and heavy rainfall have caused loss of life, injuries and severe damage to hundreds of households in Afghanistan – a country already experiencing complex humanitarian crises. Afghan Red Crescent and IFRC emergency teams are providing urgent relief – including blankets, jerry cans, tarpaulins and shelter kits. And mobile health teams are bringing medical services to remote communities. Iran In Iran, Iranian Red Crescent Society teams have been responding to flooding in Sistan Balochistan, North Khorasan and West Azerbaijan provinces – deploying 35 response teams and providing support to hundreds of people. Volunteer teams have been rescuing people stranded in the flood waters, setting up temporary shelters, and providing essential items. Honduras In western Honduras, localized flooding caused by rainstorms hit the town of Copan Ruinas – damaging homes and local businesses. The local Honduran Red Cross branch responded quickly to distribute relief items to local people and help clear up debris and fallen trees. -- Thank you to all our National Societies for supporting communities affected by floods in recent weeks. If you'd like to learn more about floods and how you can prepare, click here.

Afghanistan: Intensified support critical amid deteriorating economic and humanitarian situation

Kabul/Kuala Lumpur/Geneva, 15 August – Economic hardships have sharply intensified living conditions in Afghanistan. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) calls for continued humanitarian support to Afghanistan, coupled with investment in long-term solutions. More than two years after drought began affecting the region, nearly 28 million Afghans – both in cities and remote areas – struggle to meet basic needs. Economic hardships and continuous shocks have greatly diminished buying power, making many reliant on humanitarian assistance. Mawlawi Mutiul Haq Khales, Afghan Red Crescent Society Acting President, said: “The economic situation remains challenging for vulnerable Afghans, including women and girls. They have endured immense hardships and primarily rely on humanitarian assistance to get through shocks brought by drought, natural disasters, and economic hardship.” “Thanks to generous support from our local and international partners, the Afghan Red Crescent has expanded its response operation across all provinces in the first half of this year, aiming to prevent worsening humanitarian situations.” With the support of local and international partners, the Afghan Red Crescent has reached more than 500,000 households (approximately 3.5 million people) with a range of services. These include 3 million people with health services and awareness, more than 100,000 households (around 700,000 people) with food assistance, and at least 35,000 households (around 245,000 people) with cash assistance. “Now, due to reduced funding and increasing demand for services, we are prioritizing assistance to the most vulnerable. This includes providing cash assistance for widows, offering mental health and psychosocial support, and supporting children with congenital heart defects. For this, we request our partners to bolster their contributions,” Mawlawi Mutiul Haq Khales added. Afghanistan is grappling not only with its third consecutive year of drought but also with economic hardships that exacerbate the ongoing humanitarian situation. The current trend of foreign aid, primarily limited to humanitarian interventions due to sanctions or lack of international recognition of the current authorities, hinders long-term solution efforts. Necephor Mghendi, IFRC’s Head of Delegation for Afghanistan, said: “The humanitarian situation is becoming harsher, and we are increasing our support to the Afghan Red Crescent—with limited financial resources—to alleviate conditions for people most at risk, keeping in mind the need to combine immediate assistance with durable solutions that also address root-causes and vulnerabilities.” “We can’t address the humanitarian situation without investing in longer-term development solutions or addressing the economic crisis. They are intrinsically linked.” “As some parts of the world also grapple with man-made and natural hazards, people should not forget that Afghanistan is still facing one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. Though headlines might emphasize a few issues, the vast array of needs remain.” The IFRC and Afghan Red Crescent are increasing preparedness for the upcoming winter and ever-present potential disasters. Stocks of winterization kits, tarps, tents, water storage containers, hygiene supplies, cooking utensils, and other essential household items are being pre-positioned in strategic locations across the country. Furthermore, Afghan Red Crescent disaster response teams are being equipped with updated data collection kits, identification materials, and refresher training. The Afghan Red Crescent Society has a branch in each province of the country, boasts a strong network of 24,600 volunteers, including women who are crucial to delivering services to vulnerable groups, especially women and girls. Community members – men, boys, women, and girls – remain central to the efforts of the Red Cross and Red Crescent: as recipients, designers, and deliverers. To support the Afghan Red Crescent, the IFRC revises its emergency appeal to the international community for 120 million Swiss francs to deliver urgent humanitarian aid to over two million people affected by multiple crises. For more information or to arrange an interview, contact: Afghanistan: Mir Abdul Tawab Razavy, +93-747-407-027, [email protected] Kuala Lumpur: Afrhill Rances, +60-192-713-641, [email protected] Geneva:Mrinalini Santhanam, +41763815006,[email protected]