LAST UPDATED: October 2026
Powerful earthquakes reduce entire villages to rubble in Afghanistan
A powerful 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan on Sunday, August 31, 2025, devastating the provinces of Kunar and Nangarhar and causing widespread destruction.
As of September 2, 2025, over 1,400 people have been confirmed dead, and over 3,000 are injured. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue operations continue.
Entire villages have been reduced to rubble, and many areas remain inaccessible due to landslides and damaged infrastructure. Rescue teams are working tirelessly, but the challenging terrain and limited resources are hindering efforts.
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Your donation in action
You can help ease the burden of catastrophic earthquakes and the ongoing refugee crisis by donating towards our life-saving work in communities for families across Afghanistan.
Canadian Government Supports Humanitarian Relief in Afghanistan with Islamic Relief Canada
As a member of the Humanitarian Coalition, Islamic Relief Canada is receiving $350,000 from the Canadian Humanitarian Assistance Fund to provide urgent relief to families affected by the earthquake in Nangarhar Province.
As needs on the ground are assessed, this support will likely include:
- Access to health services
- Emergency water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities, such as latrines
- Essential non-food items, including blankets, soap, household utensils, lamps, and winter clothing
Your donation helps us reach even more communities in critical need.
The Crisis in Afghanistan
2.8 million Afghans are already on the verge of facing a catastrophic famine, and their lives are at stake. The situation is further compounded by a collapsing economy and rising poverty, and with harsh natural disasters and climate conditions, the situation is getting more desperate by the day.
The head of the World Food Programme has described the situation unfolding in Afghanistan as “the worst humanitarian crisis on earth”.
Even prior to recent deadly earthquakes, nearly two-thirds of the population relied on humanitarian aid for survival.
The earthquake has exacerbated these challenges, destroying entire villages, cutting off mountain communities, and overwhelming already strained resources.
For people across Afghanistan, life is incredibly challenging
Islamic Relief on the ground in Afghanistan
Islamic Relief has been a leading charity in Afghanistan since 1992. We were one of the few charities working in Afghanistan during the military incursions, and we have offices in Kabul, Herat, Bamyan, Nangarhar, and Balkh.
Together with local communities, government agencies, and partners on the ground, we’re working to tackle food insecurity, poverty, poor sanitation and hygiene practices, and more.
And yet, there is still so much more that needs to be done.
Donate to Afghanistan and help us bring urgent relief today.
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