The Afghanistan earthquake 2025 killed over 800 people and injured 2,800. Remote mountainous areas are hardest hit as Taliban requests global humanitarian assistance. Rescue operations continue amid rough terrain and inclement weather.
Afghanistan Earthquake 2025: Over 800 Dead, 2,800 Injured
A devastating Afghanistan earthquake 2025 struck the eastern provinces of Kunar and Nangarhar around midnight on September 1, 2025. The magnitude-6 quake has claimed the lives of more than 800 people and left at least 2,800 injured, authorities said. Rescue operations are ongoing, hampered by rough mountainous terrain, impassable roads, and bad weather.
This earthquake is one of the deadliest in Afghanistan’s recent history, further straining the resources of the Taliban-led administration, which is already grappling with reduced foreign aid and ongoing humanitarian crises.
Extent of Damage in Kunar and Nangarhar
The Afghanistan earthquake 2025 caused widespread destruction, particularly in remote mountainous villages. Mudbrick homes collapsed under the tremors, and survivors are struggling to cope with both injuries and the loss of their homes.
| Province | Deaths | Injuries | Villages Destroyed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kunar | 610 | 2,000 | 3 |
| Nangarhar | 12 | 800 | Multiple |
Authorities warn that casualty numbers may rise as rescue teams access more isolated areas. Helicopters are being used to transport the injured to hospitals, while villagers and local security forces assist in moving the wounded.
Challenges for Rescue Teams
Rescuers face severe difficulties due to the remote and rugged terrain. Many roads are impassable, and heavy rain in the past 48 hours has increased the risk of landslides and rockslides.
Kate Carey of the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) said:
“The risk of landslides and rockslides is significant, making rescue and relief operations extremely challenging.”
The collapse of mudbrick homes, combined with blocked roads, has slowed efforts to reach the hardest-hit villages. Relief teams are also addressing sanitation concerns, such as disposing of animal carcasses, to prevent contamination of water resources.
Taliban Appeals for International Assistance
The Taliban government has officially requested global humanitarian aid to address the aftermath of the Afghanistan earthquake 2025. Sharafat Zaman, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, highlighted the urgent need for medical supplies, food, and shelter:
“We need international assistance because many people have lost their lives and houses. Immediate aid is critical to saving lives.”
Diplomats and humanitarian agencies have expressed concern, noting that Afghanistan is facing a forgotten crisis. Funding for humanitarian programs has dropped sharply, from $3.8 billion in 2022 to just $767 million this year.
Rescue Operations and Medical Response
Helicopters are ferrying the injured to hospitals while military and medical teams work in coordination with local volunteers. Abdul Maten Qanee, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, stated:
“All our teams have been mobilized to accelerate assistance and provide comprehensive support, including security, medical care, and food distribution.”
In addition to evacuation, medical teams are establishing temporary treatment centers in accessible areas. Many victims are being transported on makeshift stretchers, reflecting the urgency and severity of the crisis.
International Relief Efforts
Some countries have already pledged aid following the Afghanistan earthquake 2025:
- India: Delivered 1,000 family tents to Kabul and 15 tonnes of food to Kunar, with additional supplies expected.
- China: Expressed readiness to provide disaster relief within its capacity.
- United Nations: Secretary-General Antonio Guterres confirmed the U.N. mission is preparing to assist affected communities.
- Pope Leo: Offered condolences to the victims and families.
Despite these offers, no comprehensive international response has yet reached the hardest-hit villages, emphasizing the urgency of global assistance.
Impact on Local Communities
Residents describe harrowing scenes:
- Children and elders trapped under rubble
- Entire villages destroyed, leaving survivors without shelter
- Community members manually clearing debris to recover the injured and deceased
A survivor from Mazar Dara in Kunar province said:
“The entire village has been destroyed. We need ambulances, doctors, and everything to rescue the injured and recover the dead.”
The Afghanistan earthquake 2025 has compounded existing humanitarian issues in the region, including food insecurity and limited access to healthcare.
Historical Context Afghanistan earthquake 2025
Afghanistan is prone to deadly earthquakes, particularly in the Hindu Kush region, where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates converge. This earthquake is the third major disaster faced by the Taliban administration since 2021, following similar deadly quakes in 2022.
| Year | Magnitude | Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 6.1 | 1,000 |
| 2025 | 6.0 | 812+ |
This recurring vulnerability highlights the need for improved disaster preparedness and international support in the region.
Key Challenges Afghanistan earthquake 2025
- Remote Terrain – Mountainous roads impede rapid relief and evacuation.
- Inclement Weather – Heavy rains increase landslide and flooding risks.
- Limited Resources – Shrinking foreign aid reduces the government’s capacity to respond.
- Health Risks – Injuries, water contamination, and lack of medical facilities threaten public health.
- Political Restrictions – Taliban policies, especially toward female aid workers, limit some humanitarian operations.
FAQs on Afghanistan Earthquake 2025
1. When did the Afghanistan earthquake occur?
It struck around midnight on September 1, 2025.
2. What was the magnitude of the earthquake?
The earthquake measured 6.0 in magnitude and occurred at a depth of 10 km (6 miles).
3. How many people have died or been injured?
More than 800 people have died, and at least 2,800 were injured.
4. Which provinces were most affected?
Kunar and Nangarhar provinces were the hardest hit.
5. How are rescue operations being conducted?
Helicopters ferry the injured to hospitals, and rescue teams work alongside local volunteers in remote villages.
6. What challenges are rescue teams facing?
Rough terrain, impassable roads, landslides, and collapsed mudbrick homes are significant obstacles.
7. How has the Taliban government responded?
The Taliban has requested international aid and mobilized teams for rescue, medical care, and food distribution.
8. Which countries are providing aid?
India, China, the United Nations, and the Vatican have offered assistance.
9. Could casualty numbers rise?
Yes, as rescue teams reach more isolated areas, fatalities and injuries may increase.
10. Why is international aid critical?
Due to Afghanistan’s limited resources and the severity of the disaster, global assistance is necessary to save lives and provide relief to affected communities.
Final Takeaway
The Afghanistan earthquake 2025 is a tragic reminder of the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters. Over 800 lives lost, thousands injured, and multiple villages destroyed highlight the urgent need for international humanitarian aid. As Taliban-led authorities and global agencies coordinate rescue and relief efforts, the focus remains on saving lives, preventing further health crises, and rebuilding devastated communities.