What is happening in Afghanistan?
Three powerful earthquakes that have struck Afghanistan, ShelterBox is responding. More than 2,000 people have been killed, and the death toll is rising all the time.
A 6.0 magnitude earthquake hit late on Sunday, followed by another 5.1 magnitude earthquake on Tuesday afternoon and a 5.6 magnitude earthquake on Thursday evening. Entire villages have been flattened, and thousands of homes, mostly made from mud bricks and wood structures, have collapsed.
Almost all (98%) buildings in the affected areas have been destroyed or damaged, and there is an urgent need for shelter.
Many people and families are now homeless. Hundreds of thousands of people are affected, and survivors are sleeping in the open, exposed to the elements and fearful of further quakes and aftershocks.
The remote but populated areas of Kunar and Nangarhar have been devastated. The shallow depth of the quakes, just 6 miles, made them especially destructive.
Search and rescue efforts are still underway, but are being hampered by further aftershocks and earthquakes. Due to the mountainous terrain and landslides, some villages still cannot be accessed.
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Donate nowWhat are ShelterBox doing?
ShelterBox is responding to powerful earthquakes that have devastated parts of Afghanistan. Our partners have been working in the affected communities to find out what people need most. We plan to support people with emergency shelter and essential items.
With houses completely flattened, tents allow people in cold mountainous areas temporary shelter, especially as winter approaches. We’re looking to source tents in Afghanistan so we can respond more quickly.
Our preparedness work around the world has included Afghanistan, so that we’re ready to go in these moments. That means we have existing partners in the country, who are already carrying out assessments to find out where our support is most needed.
Our preparedness work around the world has included Afghanistan, so that we’re ready to go in these moments
Jonty Ellaby, emergency co-ordinator at ShelterBox.
ShelterBox has responded in Afghanistan several times before, with emergency shelter for people displaced by conflict and extreme weather like floods. (2002, 2006, 2008, 2016-17).
The bigger picture
Before the earthquake, Afghanistan was already facing a deep humanitarian crisis. Nearly 23 million people – half the population – need assistance. Every day, tens of thousands of people are returning from Iran and Pakistan, many with nowhere to go.
Many returnees fled Afghanistan due to years of conflict, economic collapse, and fear following the Taliban’s return to power. Some haven’t been in Afghanistan for years, or ever. Many are registered by the authorities and given money for transport to their home provinces to find their old homes demolished, occupied, or sold.
Around 30,000 people are crossing back into Afghanistan daily, often through remote border points with very little. Some are living in informal camps, with host families, or out in the open – making it hard to track their movements and understand their needs.
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How can I support people facing crisis?
Donate today – you can help us bring hope and relief to those who need it most. Every donation counts. Giving helps restore dignity, safety, and hope to those who have lost everything.
You can also stay informed and share on social media to raise awareness about the crisis people are facing in Afghanistan.
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