On 31 August 2025, a magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck Eastern Afghanistan. At least 2,205 people have been confirmed dead, with more than half being women and girls, and another 3,640 people injured. Nearly half a million people are in urgent need of assistance, of which an estimated 119,760 are women of reproductive age, including 11,670 who are currently pregnant. Tens of thousands of families are now living in makeshift shelters in two locations in Nurgal district with limited access to sanitation, food, hygiene and shelter supplies.
UNFPA is focused on restoring hope, health and dignity of earthquake-affected women and girls by delivering integrated maternal and reproductive health information and services, mental health and psychosocial support services, and prevention and response to gender-based violence. Working through mobile health teams, female-to-female service delivery, and community networks, the earthquake response will include the delivery of essential emergency medical supplies, dignity kits and menstrual hygiene kits.
UNFPA urgently seeks US$5 million to support critical, lifesaving services to 140,000 people in the earthquake-affected areas between September and December 2025.
