KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged urgent and increased aid for survivors of the devastating earthquake in eastern Afghanistan, warning that existing resources are “insufficient to address the needs.”
In a statement released by the UN mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), Mr. Guterres said the United Nations would spare no effort in helping those affected but stressed that more funding is urgently required.
The UN chief expressed condolences to the families of the victims and wished a swift recovery for the injured. He also confirmed that $5 million from the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) has been allocated to provide immediate relief. A further $5 million from the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund has been earmarked for quake response, bringing the total initial UN contribution to $10 million.
“The United Nations and our partners in Afghanistan are coordinating with the de facto authorities to swiftly assess needs, provide emergency assistance, and stand ready to mobilize additional support,” Guterres said.
The earthquake, measuring 6.0 in magnitude, struck late on Sunday night, hitting the provinces of Kunar, Nangarhar, Laghman, and Nuristan. The most severe impact has been reported in Kunar province, particularly in Chawkay, Nurgal, Chapa Dara, Dara-e-Pech, Watapur, and Asadabad districts.
According to Taliban figures, at least 1,411 people have been killed and more than 3,100 injured. Many of the wounded remain in critical condition, while hospitals face shortages of supplies, equipment, and staff. Aid workers say restrictions on women’s employment in health care have further complicated the response, leaving female patients without adequate access to treatment.
UN officials estimate more than 12,000 people have been directly affected, while over 5,400 homes were destroyed in Kunar province alone. Villages in remote mountain valleys remain cut off after landslides triggered by recent rainfall and floods blocked roads, making it difficult for aid convoys to reach some of the hardest-hit areas.
Some countries have pledged immediate support. The European Union has announced €1 million in funding, while the United Kingdom has committed £1 million. India has sent 21 tons of emergency supplies, including food, tents, medicines, and water supplies.
Despite these efforts, humanitarian agencies say the current level of support is far from enough. The World Health Organization (WHO) has appealed for $3 million to provide urgent medical care. The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has requested $2 million to support 25,000 people over the next six months with food, shelter, and cash assistance.
The earthquake comes as Afghanistan faces one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with more than half the population already dependent on aid after decades of war, economic collapse, and repeated natural disasters.
