On August 31, 2025, in the shattered remains of Dewagal village in Kunar province, survivors of the 6.0 magnitude earthquake longed for missing loved ones with no access to shelter, water, or food, as humanitarian response efforts began across eastern Afghanistan. The disaster destroyed 5,230 homes and countless water sources, crippling critical infrastructure and leaving over 38,269 people exposed and vulnerable in already fragile conditions. Over the decades, instability, heavy reliance on agriculture, and the increasing climate pressures have deepened the vulnerability of communities in Afghanistan, exposing them to greater risk when disasters strike.

With funding support from the FOCUS USA and partner agencies, AKDN mobilized health teams and specialized search and rescue teams to reach the most affected areas in the earliest hours after the earthquake. The AKDN-led Search and Rescue Teams (SART) were critical to saving lives in the aftermath of such a fatal earthquake, as numerous individuals were trapped under the ruins of the collapsed homes and buildings. Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) also distributed essential relief supplies including tents, tarpaulins, kitchen kits, and hygiene kits to 350 families who had lost their homes and belongings. –

After the completion of AKDN’s full response efforts mid-September, the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority Minister provided certificates of appreciation to the response teams present on the ground, funded by both FOCUS and AKDN, honoring their dedication, commitment, and exemplary efforts during this critical time.

While disasters cannot be entirely prevented, preparedness saves lives. Afghanistan lies within a highly active tectonic zone, resulting in frequent and sometimes severe seismic activity, especially in remote northern mountain regions where access to external assistance is limited. In these areas, having trained local emergency first-responders is essential. FOCUS has funded disaster risk reduction efforts in Afghanistan since 1996, supporting implementing partners to strengthen the capacity of communities and the authorities to assess risks, prepare effectively, and respond rapidly.

To date, FOCUS has funded more than a thousand settlements in Afghanistan with Hazard, Vulnerability, Risk Assessments through the AKDN. These settlements are covered with local CERT ready to respond to emergencies as well as the Afghanistan SART. This long-term investment in capacity-building ensures that even in the most remote regions, communities themselves can prepare for and respond swiftly when disaster strikes.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all those who contributed to the response effort, including local emergency responders, implementing partners, the communities themselves, and the donors whose generous support enables FOCUS to serve even the most remote communities and remain engaged through recovery.

Read the full update on AKDN earthquake response effort here.