Earthquake in Afghanistan: Humanity & Inclusion prepares Emergency Response

Press Release | London, 5th September 2025, 10:00 GMT

A 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan on 31st August 2025, near Jalalabad, followed by a 5.2 magnitude aftershock.
Over 1,400 people killed, 3,000 injured, and nearly 12,000 directly affected, with widespread destruction and isolated villages.
Significant humanitarian needs include shelter, medical care, basic necessities, and access to services for vulnerable groups (people with disabilities, children, women, older people).
Humanity & Inclusion is preparing an emergency response, including physical rehabilitation, provision of mobility aids, and psychological first aid.
Humanity & Inclusion spokesperson in Afghanistan is available for interview

On the night of 31 August, a powerful 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan near Jalalabad, leaving behind a trail of destruction and urgent humanitarian needs. Humanity & Inclusion, present in the country since 1987, is preparing to deploy an emergency response to assist the most vulnerable.

Significant humanitarian impact

Initial reports from the United Nations indicate that over 1,400 people have lost their lives and more than 3,000 have been injured, with numbers expected to rise as rescue operations continue. Entire villages have been cut off from the world by landslides, roads blocked, homes destroyed, infrastructure damaged and nearly 12,000 people directly affected. A second quake of magnitude 5.2 struck the region the following day.

Urgent needs among the affected population

Many families have lost their homes and thousands of people now face difficult conditions without shelter, medical care, or essential supplies. People with disabilities, children, women, and older people are particularly vulnerable, facing significant barriers to accessing aid.

Many survivors have suffered serious injuries that require immediate physical rehabilitation to prevent lifelong disabilities. At the same time, widespread psychological trauma is emerging, underscoring the urgent need for mental health and psychosocial support services.

Humanity & Inclusion’s emergency response

Humanity & Inclusion is mobilising teams specialised in emergency rehabilitation and psychological first aid to assess needs and provide immediate support in particular in the Jalalabad region. Planned interventions include: