Global Children’s Charity, World Vision, deeply concerned as Afghanistan earthquake kills hundreds
1 September 2025
World Vision – one of the world’s largest children’s charities - expresses deep concern following the devastating earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan overnight, reportedly killing hundreds and injuring thousands more.
The magnitude 6.0 quake struck at a shallow depth of 10 km (6.2 miles), with its epicentre located 27 km south of Asadabad city in Kunar Province. Tremors were felt across Kabul, Islamabad, and New Delhi.
According to the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority (ANDMA), preliminary reports suggest at least 800 fatalities and 2,000 injuries, though figures may rise as access improves.
Entire villages in Chawki and Noorgul Districts have been completely or partially destroyed, with homes made of mud and timber collapsing and trapping residents under rubble.
Humanitarian aid agency World Vision has worked in Afghanistan for more than two decades and is present in the country where it operates across four provinces.
World Vision is working with local partners as it continues to assess the full scale of the impacts of the disaster. Response needs are likely to include emergency food, water, shelter and child protection measures.
The affected districts are among the most remote in Afghanistan. Landslides have blocked key access routes, and aircraft have been deployed to support rescue operations and evacuate critical patients to Jalalabad and Kabul. Mobile health and nutrition teams, ambulances, and local volunteers are working alongside NGOs and the military to provide emergency support.
Time is of the essence.
“News of this latest earthquake, and the apparent loss of hundreds of lives, is devastating,” said Thamindri De Silva, National Director, World Vision Afghanistan.
“We lived through the 2023 Herat Earthquake, and the effects are still being felt today. We know the impact of this quake will be long-lasting and extremely painful. Children are among the most at risk and will pay the highest price.”
“Time truly is of the essence when it comes to this situation. Earthquakes in Afghanistan are especially deadly due to the fragile nature of housing and infrastructure,” De Silva added. “Most homes are built from mud and timber, making them highly vulnerable to collapse. In remote areas, access to healthcare, clean water, and education is already limited. A disaster of this scale exacerbates existing vulnerabilities and deepens humanitarian need.”
Devastating impact on children
“We are hugely saddened and concerned to hear the news from Afghanistan overnight and are praying deeply for the families, children and our colleagues there,” says World Vision UK CEO, Fola Komolafe MBE.
“Earthquakes are hugely traumatic events for children to live through. Fatalities can be suffered, children can become separated from their families, homes and schools are damaged, families are often forced to shelter outside or in communal buildings. These events can be hugely dangerous and stressful for children. As we wait for more news from our colleagues in the region, we pray for everyone involved, and that children are protected.”
Afghanistan is already facing one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, 22.9 million people require humanitarian assistance in 2025 and 3.5 million children are acutely malnourished1 2. The 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan calls for USD$2.42 billion, but only 25.9% of funding requirements have been met as of August 202534. The cutting of foreign aid has contributed to this shortfall, forcing humanitarian actors to scale back operations.
World Vision stands in solidarity with the people of Afghanistan and urges the international community to respond swiftly and generously to this unfolding tragedy.
ENDS
Contact to arrange interviews or further assets:
Louise Amodio. Senior Strategic Communications Director, World Vision UK
E: louise.amodio@worldvision.org.uk
T: 07957 111780
