When an earthquake strikes, it doesn’t just shake the ground—it shatters lives. In Afghanistan, where communities are already vulnerable due to decades of conflict and poverty, the impact of a natural disaster is devastating. Homes collapse, families are torn apart, and access to basic necessities becomes a struggle for survival. Children, women, and the elderly are often the hardest hit, facing trauma, displacement, and loss with limited resources and support.
In recent months, Afghanistan has endured two major earthquakes—one in Kunar Province on 31 August 2025, and another in Herat Province. The Kunar quake, with a magnitude of 6.0, struck late at night, destroying over 6,800 homes, killing more than 2,200 people, and injuring over 3,600. Entire villages were wiped out, especially in mountainous districts like Nurgal and Chawkay, where mud-and-stone homes collapsed under the force of the tremors.
In Herat, the earthquake caused similar devastation, with thousands affected and critical infrastructure damaged. These disasters have compounded the challenges faced by Afghan families, many of whom were already displaced or living in poverty. With winter approaching, the urgency for shelter, food, and medical care is greater than ever.
At Hadia Foundation, we believe that timely assistance saves lives. In response to these earthquakes, our teams mobilised quickly to deliver emergency aid to affected communities in both Kunar and Herat. We provided tents, blankets, food packages, and baby formula, prioritising families with children, elderly members, and those with disabilities. Our volunteers worked tirelessly to reach remote areas, often navigating blocked roads and damaged infrastructure to ensure help arrived where it was needed most.
Our work is guided by compassion and a commitment to dignity. We listen to communities, respect cultural norms, and ensure that women and girls receive the care and protection they need—especially in times of crisis. In partnership with local leaders and international allies, we continue to expand our reach and improve our response capacity.
Earthquakes may strike without warning, but our response must be swift, coordinated, and compassionate. At Hadia Foundation, we are proud to stand with the people of Afghanistan in their time of need. With your support, we can continue to deliver life-saving aid and help communities rebuild—stronger and more resilient than before.
