On October 10, 2023, a magnitude-6.3 earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan. It wrecked Kunar and Nangarhar provinces, where it caused effects like widespread destruction and large civilian casualties. A 6.0 moderate earthquake of great destructive force occurred at a depth of 10 km (6 miles). At least 812 people have died so far, with 610 deaths reported in Kunar province and 12 in Nangarhar. In the aftermath of this tragedy, international assistance is being mobilized to help those communities rebuild.
Zafar Khan Gojar, a 22-year-old who came from the district of Nurgal, was subsequently airlifted to Jalalabad. With his brother—who had suffered a broken leg in the earthquake—he made a mad dash to safety. Gojar painfully described the destruction in his community. He stated, “The spaces and walls fell on many children, causing some children to die and some to be injured.” His vivid description illustrates the urgent threats to life and safety that residents encountered as they maneuvered through the chaos and destruction unleashed by the quake.
An urgent, coordinated international response to the disaster was announced by Britain’s Foreign Minister David Lammy. The British government will provide $1.35 million in humanitarian assistance to support those affected by the earthquake. This funding will be allocated between the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). The US State Department’s Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs extended their deepest condolences for the loss of life. They focused attention on their dire need for global assistance.
The earthquake has destroyed more than 2,000 homes in Kunar province, as reported by local officials. According to reports, the damage is catastrophic over wide regions and survivors are demanding immediate help. As one of the unnamed victims said, “The children and older people are buried under the rubble of houses. We require immediate assistance. One more survivor expressed how dire the need is. We need ambulances, we need doctors, we need everything to rescue the injured and recover the dead,” they called.
Ziaul Haq Mohammadi, a young local student, described how frightened he felt in the midst of the quake. As he put it to me, “We were spending the whole night in terror and anxiety knowing that any minute an aftershock might come.” Mohammadi’s comments are a testament to the ongoing fear and trauma experienced by those still living with the aftershocks of this calamity.
International responses have started to coalesce as countries begin deploying resources to support Afghanistan. China stands prepared to deliver disaster relief assistance in light of Afghanistan’s needs. Their commitment embodies what we heard loud and clear from every leader— their desire to work together in times of crisis. India has recently supplied 1,000 family-size tents to Kabul. The country is airlifting 15 tonnes of food into Kunar province to feed those affected.
Local leaders are working tirelessly to coordinate relief efforts. Abdul Maten Qanee, Director of MOPH, announced that all of our teams have deployed. We know they are doing all they can to urgently speed aid and maximize support. This proactive model not only focuses on the immediate needs of survivors, but helps them start the long road of recovery.
Rescue teams, including some from the U.S., are still working to find survivors in the rubble. At the same time, communities are organizing to provide whatever assistance they are able to. Local resident Sharafat Zaman evacuated to D.C. and emphasized the immediate need for help. He explained, “We need it because so many of us have lost family members and houses here.” His words resonate with the shared sorrow and urgency expressed by many of you as you work to save lives in this unprecedented moment.