UN Appeals For $140 Million To Aid Quake-Hit Afghanistan As Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

In response to the devastating earthquake that struck Afghanistan in early September 2025, the United Nations has launched an urgent appeal for $140 million to support over half a million affected individuals. The appeal, announced on September 9, aims to provide immediate relief and long-term recovery assistance to communities grappling with widespread destruction, displacement, and loss of life.

 

The earthquake, one of the deadliest in the region’s recent history, has compounded Afghanistan’s already fragile humanitarian landscape, marked by economic instability, food insecurity, and limited access to healthcare.

 

Key Highlights From The UN Appeal

 

- The UN is seeking $140 million to assist approximately 500,000 people impacted by the earthquake  

- The funds will be directed toward emergency shelter, food aid, clean water, medical support, and psychosocial services  

- The appeal follows reports of over 1,124 fatalities and more than 3,251 injuries across southeastern provinces  

- More than 8,000 people have been displaced, with thousands living in makeshift shelters without access to basic services  

- The UNHCR and other agencies are coordinating logistics, supply chains, and field operations to reach remote areas  

 

Scope Of The Disaster And Immediate Needs

 

The earthquake struck southeastern Afghanistan with a magnitude of 6.1, flattening homes built from stone and mud-brick and triggering landslides that cut off access to several villages. The worst-hit areas include Paktika, Khost, and parts of Nangarhar, where infrastructure was already weakened by years of conflict and underinvestment.

 

- Over 10,000 homes have been damaged or destroyed, leaving families exposed to harsh weather conditions  

- Health facilities and schools have collapsed, further straining local systems  

- Clean water and sanitation are urgently needed to prevent outbreaks of disease, including acute watery diarrhoea  

- Child protection services are being scaled up to support unaccompanied minors and trauma victims  

 

UN’s Relief Strategy And Funding Allocation

 

The $140 million appeal will be channeled through multiple UN agencies and humanitarian partners. The strategy includes both immediate response and early recovery efforts, with a focus on vulnerable populations such as women, children, and the elderly.

 

- Emergency shelter kits, hygiene packs, and food rations will be distributed in the first phase  

- Mobile health units will provide trauma care, maternal services, and vaccinations  

- Psychosocial support and mental health services will be offered to survivors coping with grief and displacement  

- Multi-purpose cash transfers will be deployed to empower families to meet their own urgent needs  

 

International Response And Diplomatic Engagement

 

The UN has called on member states, donor agencies, and philanthropic organizations to contribute generously to the appeal. Australia has pledged $1 million in emergency aid, while China has committed $10.8 million in humanitarian support. However, broader funding remains constrained due to geopolitical tensions and sanctions against the Taliban-led administration.

 

- The UN continues to advocate for unimpeded humanitarian access and neutral aid delivery  

- Diplomatic efforts are underway to ensure that funds reach affected populations without political interference  

- The appeal emphasizes the need for sustained engagement beyond immediate relief  

 

A Humanitarian Flashpoint With Global Implications

 

The earthquake has exposed the deep vulnerabilities of Afghanistan’s emergency response infrastructure. With 18 million people already in crisis and another 18 million on the brink due to drought, food shortages, and economic collapse, the disaster threatens to push the country into an even more severe humanitarian emergency.

 

- Aid agencies warn of long-term displacement and rising malnutrition if funding gaps persist  

- The crisis underscores the importance of disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure in conflict zones  

- Global solidarity and swift action are essential to prevent further loss of life and suffering  

 

Looking Ahead: Urgency Meets Resolve

 

As the UN mobilizes resources and coordinates relief efforts, the focus remains on delivering life-saving aid to those most in need. The $140 million appeal is not just a financial request—it is a call to action for the global community to stand with Afghanistan in its hour of need. With winter approaching and thousands still without shelter, time is of the essence.

 

Sources: Global Ehsan Relief, ABC News Australia, UNHCR Afghanistan Briefings