Red Cross Movement mobilises urgent aid after devastating Afghanistan earthquake
10 September 2025
A powerful 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck southeastern Afghanistan on 31 August, causing widespread destruction across Kunar, Nangarhar, and Laghman provinces.
More than 2,000 people have died, many more are injured and countless are missing beneath the rubble. Many families are displaced and in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.
The earthquake struck communities already facing severe hardship after decades of conflict. In this remote region, access to medical care and basic services is limited. Additionally, eastern Afghanistan has absorbed hundreds of thousands of returnees from Pakistan.
Katharina Ritz, head of delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Afghanistan has stressed the urgency of the situation.
“What is needed now is a swift response to evacuate the wounded and provide basic lifesaving help including medicine, emergency health care, water and food.”
She also noted the operational challenges faced in the region: “Our ICRC teams, based in Nangahar, are working closely with the Afghan Red Crescent … and with our partners from the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement. … Time is of the essence to reach those in need, particularly vulnerable populations such as women, children and people with disabilities.”
The Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) has been leading local response efforts swiftly mobilising volunteers, carrying out search and rescue operations, and conducting needs assessments in affected areas.
Alongside ARCS, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and broader Movement are actively coordinating efforts to deliver emergency healthcare, safe water, shelter, and cash assistance for families who have lost everything.
Jagan Chapagain, IFRC Secretary General said the 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.”
The joint response demonstrates the strength of the Movement’s network, and the impact that swift, united humanitarian action can make when disaster strikes.
Our thoughts and solidarity are with all those affected by this disaster, which adds to the ongoing humanitarian challenges the country has endured for many years.
Restoring Family Links
Our Restoring Family Links service is available for people who have lost contact with loved ones following the earthquake in Afghanistan.
Call: 0800 RED CROSS (0800 733 27677)
Email: familylinks@redcross.org.nz
More information
Visit the International Committee of the Red Cross website for more information.
ICRC | International Committee of the Red Cross
Lead image: Afghan Red Crescent volunteers join the search for survivors after the powerful earthquake that struck southeastern Afghanistan on 31 August 2025. (Photo: Afghan Red Crescent Society / IFRC)