Human Appeal launches Afghanistan emergency response to aid 17,500 earthquake survivors

Following the devastating earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan on Sunday 31 August, claiming over 1,400 lives, leading humanitarian aid charity Human Appeal has launched an emergency response initiative aiming to reach 17,500 with aid to support thousands of injured and displaced individuals across the affected epicentre and surrounding provinces.

The 6.0-magnitude earthquake, recorded by the US Geological Survey, struck just before midnight local time, impacting at least five provinces. The Kunar and Nangarhar regions, among the most remote and impoverished in the country, suffered particularly severe damage. Multiple aftershocks followed, including a 4.5 tremor just 20 minutes after the initial quake and a 5.2 magnitude shock on Tuesday, further compounding the destruction.

In response, Human Appeal has mobilised its field teams and local partners to deliver urgent humanitarian assistance. The planned intervention includes hot meals, food parcels, hygiene kits, and medical consultations for those affected.

With entire villages destroyed and the death toll expected to rise, the need for aid is increasingly critical. Landslides triggered by the aftershocks have blocked key roads, isolating communities and overwhelming local hospitals. Authorities have issued urgent calls for field hospitals, shelter, food, and clean water as infrastructure struggles to cope.

Human Appeal is working rapidly with all relevant stakeholders to deploy immediate relief. As the situation evolves, the organisation remains committed to long-term support for those left homeless currently estimated at over 3,000 individuals.

Commenting on the emergency, Hameed Al-Asaly, CEO of Human Appeal UK, said: "Some of the most vulnerable and remote areas of Afghanistan have been devastated by this earthquake, with many lives lost and homes destroyed. Our teams are working tirelessly to deliver life-saving aid on the ground. We will continue to adapt our response to meet the evolving needs of affected communities—both now and in the months ahead. We urge the public to support this vital effort as survivors begin the long road to recovery."

Human Appeal is a fully independent British humanitarian charity based in Manchester, UK. It was established in 1991 as a registered and regulated UK charity that runs targeted aid relief programmes in collaboration with recognised global organisations such as the United Nations. Its purpose is to save and transform lives through emergency aid response and sustainable development programmes at home and abroad across 25 countries worldwide.

www.humanappeal.org.uk

For more information please contact Media Foundry

Grace Tucker

grace@mediafoundry.london | 020 3011 1023

By Human Appeal

Manchester, United Kingdom