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Description
Situation
On 31 August 2025 at 11:47 PM local time, a 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck southeastern Afghanistan with its epicenter approximately 27km east-northeast of the Momand Dara district of Nangarhar province, and Nurgul district of Kunar province, both of which border neighbouring Pakistan. The quake occurred at 8-10km depth which shook the surrounding areas and caused significant damage in several districts in the Kunar, Nangarhar and Laghman provinces. Some 600 houses have been destroyed or damaged, mostly in mountainous areas, with key road access disrupted. Affected households are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.
Overall impact
Initial reports indicate more than 550 fatalities with over 1,000 people sustaining injuries due to the earthquake. Currently, there is no confirmed data regarding missing persons. An estimated 600 houses have been destroyed or damaged with a considerable number of families displaced.
Action taken
ARCS field assessments are currently ongoing, and current figures continue to be updated as more information becomes available. Ambulances from districts in Nangarhar continue to arrive to transport injured people to medical facilities for urgent care. The Nangarhar Regional Specialist Hospital has reached full capacity having received an overwhelming number of women and children suffering from injuries in the aftermath of the quake. One IFRC staff is being deployed with European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) Afghanistan team to conduct an aerial assessment and gather initial field assessments in Jalalabad on the immediate needs.
The Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) has deployed its teams to the affected areas to support with aerial and field assessments and immediate response efforts.
Immediate needs identified include:
- Search and rescue teams and equipment.
- Emergency healthcare support (medicines, trauma care, blood supplies).
- Food and clean water.
Roads have been severely disrupted due to landslides, blocking vital access.
Information and data continue to be updated and will be shared in subsequent reports.
The launch of a DREF is under consideration.