Earthquake in Afghanistan: 5,230 Homes Destroyed, UN Aid Struggles to Reach Affected Villages

A 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan on August 31, 2025. Over 2,200 people have died, and the death toll is expected to rise. Approximately 500,000 people have been affected, with half of them being children. Many of the earthquake victims had been deported from Pakistan and Iran. The United Nations (UN) reports that 5,230 homes in 49 villages have been completely destroyed, and another 672 homes have been partially damaged. UN teams have yet to reach 362 other villages due to damaged roads, making it difficult to assess the extent of the damage there. The journey from Jalalabad to a location 100 km away took 6.5 hours because of narrow roads and landslides. Numerous trucks and vehicles carrying aid are facing difficulties in reaching the affected areas. The situation of the people is dire, with many forced to sleep in the open. They lack food, clean drinking water, and sanitation facilities. The UN warns of a potential cholera outbreak due to open defecation. Women and children are facing the most significant challenges and require clean water, warm clothes, and tents, especially with the onset of snowfall expected in late October. The UN is appealing for an emergency fund to provide tents, food, water, and medicine. The Taliban administration is cooperating with relief efforts, and women are being included in relief teams.