Devastating earthquake in eastern Afghanistan

What we do

Life can change in an instant. When it does, we are there.

When disasters and conflicts tear communities apart, Medair responds quickly because people’s lives are on the line. We work in highly unstable environments, going where the needs are greatest, providing life-saving support in some of the world’s hardest-to-reach places.

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We save lives

In times of disaster, disease and conflict, we are ready within hours to deliver life-sustaining humanitarian aid.

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We restore hope

We help people in crisis have hope for the future by providing them the support they need to rebuild their lives.

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We partner generously

We work closely with other organisations and the communities we serve – acting out of a spirit of respect, compassion and dignity.

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Learn more about our work

Happening now

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Emergency

A trail of devastation and destruction

The earthquake struck at 11:47 pm local time (31^st August) at a shallow depth of around 8–10 km, amplifying its destructive force. In Kunar, three villages were reduced to rubble; in Nangarhar, countless homes collapsed.

Authorities warn that the death toll is expected to rise as survivors from isolated settlements cut off by landslides and aftershocks are reached. The earthquake is Afghanistan’s deadliest since October 2023, when a 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck Herat Province. This is sadly not the first time that Kunar has been impacted by the deadly impact of an earthquake; in June 2022, a 6.1-magnitude earthquake claimed over 1,000 lives. Many homes in the region, constructed using traditional or informal building methods—often with materials like mud, wood, or other locally sourced resources not designed to withstand earthquakes—were especially vulnerable to the tremors, increasing the risk and hardship faced by affected communities.

A rapidly escalating humanitarian emergency

In addition to the widespread destruction of homes, essential infrastructure—including roads, healthcare facilities, and water systems—has been severely affected. The earthquake adds to existing challenges, including limited access to humanitarian aid and long-standing socioeconomic hardship.

As the death toll continues to rise, rescue teams are working tirelessly to reach survivors. Medair has been active in Afghanistan for over 25 years. Our colleagues on the ground are actively assessing the needs of the most vulnerable communities.

“After an earthquake, people are afraid to go into buildings. They will want to stay close to their homes to protect their land and belongings, so they will probably create a shelter outside. They need shelter materials – timber, tarpaulin, mats – to protect them from the cold and rain.”

Patricia Gomez, Medair Shelter and Settlements Advisor

Your support is needed now

We need your support to help families affected by the earthquake survive extremely difficult living conditions and have access to clean drinking water. Your gift empowers our teams on the ground to respond quickly, reaching those who are hardest to reach with lifesaving aid.

Will you help us save lives?