“CARE is deeply saddened by the loss of lives caused by the 6.0 magnitude earthquake that struck in Kunar and Jalalabad, the eastern Afghanistan on August 31, 2025, with an estimated 800 casualties already reported and destruction across the region.
“This earthquake strikes a country already facing lack of global support for a severe humanitarian crisis. Nearly half of the population of Afghanistan – 23 million people – is already reliant on humanitarian aid, and yet the Humanitarian Response Plan is only 28 percent funded.
“CARE Afghanistan and our local partners are working to reach communities affected by the earthquake, including in areas that are the most cut off and difficult to access. Many roads are blocked, forcing assessment teams to walk for four to five hours to reach survivors. We are conducting rapid needs assessments to understand the scale of impact and determine the best way to help those affected and are preparing to provide emergency assistance when possible.
“We are especially concerned for women and girls, whose safety and well-being face heightened risks in this crisis. Ongoing restrictions continue to limit their access to life-saving services, leaving them among the most vulnerable in the aftermath of the quake.
“Our hearts are once again with all Afghans affected by this disaster.”
ENDS
Notes
For media enquiries contact Briony FitzGerald on 0404 117 927
About CARE International
CARE is a leader within a worldwide movement dedicated to ending poverty. From emergency response to long-term sustainable solutions, CARE is known for our unshakeable commitment to the dignity of all people. We work to support women and girls, so we can effectively address the root causes of poverty and create pathways to economic freedom for all. We do this in partnership with men and boys and community leaders locally, regionally, and globally. For nearly 80 years, CARE has been there, from the first CARE Packages® delivering relief in Europe after World War II, to every major global crisis since. Our long-term development programs and trusted local leadership continue to impact the lives of millions of people around the world.
About CARE Australia
CARE Australia is one member of the global CARE Confederation. CARE Australia supports women and girls around the globe to save lives, defeat poverty and achieve social justice. We work in partnership with local communities to provide equal opportunities for women and girls to be educated and to earn an income, gain access to essential resources like food, health care and clean water, and to be able to withstand and recover from the increasing impacts of disasters, conflict and other crises. Our programs focus on women and girls because we know when one woman breaks the cycle of poverty she brings four others with her – and that’s a powerful multiplier of impact.
