A powerful 6.0 magnitude earthquake in eastern Afghanistan struck on August 31, 2025, killing more than 2,200 people and injuring at least 3,600 others. The disaster has directly affected an estimated 500,000 people across Nangarhar, Kunar, Nuristan, and Laghman provinces, including many women, children, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and recent returnees.
On September 4 and 5, two strong aftershocks shook the same region, compounding devastation and terror. ADRA’s assessment team was present in the area, but is safe.
The destruction is staggering. At least 6,700 houses have collapsed, forcing families to sleep outdoors. Survivors face freezing nights, limited aid, and heightened risks of disease outbreaks due to unsafe water, overcrowding, and poor sanitation.
“The devastation caused by these disasters is heartbreaking,” says Imad Madanat, vice-president for Humanitarian Affairs in ADRA International. “Every life lost and every community affected serve as powerful reminders of the urgency to reach those in need with hope, relief, and support.”
ADRA teams in Kunar and Nangarhar report severe destruction and urgent needs for food, shelter, materials, tents, winter clothing, household, and hygiene supplies. Yet, a large-scale humanitarian response remains limited, hindered by access challenges, coordination gaps, and critical funding shortages.
Sofya Shumko, ADRA’s Euro-Asia emergency response coordinator, explains: “It’s crisis upon crisis. Families already forced back from neighboring countries are struggling to survive. Reduced funding has weakened their resilience as they now face hunger, economic collapse, and drought. We cannot change what happened, but we can make sure these families are not forgotten.”
ADRA is preparing to scale up relief operations as funds become available. Photos and videos from the field are being shared to mobilize support. In the coming days, ADRA Afghanistan will announce relief efforts targeting the most urgent needs.
Pakistan Floods: Millions Displaced, Homes Swept Away
Severe monsoon flooding in Pakistan’s Punjab province has killed at least 892 people and directly affected 3.9 million residents. Over 9,000 homes have been damaged or destroyed, with 6,000+ livestock lost, and 234 bridges and 410 miles (661 km) of roads washed away.
ADRA Pakistan’s rapid needs assessment identified emergency shelter, food, mosquito nets, medical support, and hygiene kits as the most urgent priorities. ADRA’s initial response is targeting Sialkot, one of the hardest-hit areas, where families are sheltering in overcrowded conditions.
India Floods: Northern States Face Ongoing Monsoon Devastation
In India, extreme monsoon rains and landslides have killed more than 520 people across Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, and Jammu and Kashmir. Families have lost homes, farmland, and livelihoods.
ADRA India responded in Mandi and Kullu districts, distributing shelter kits, hygiene kits, blankets, and cash transfers to more than 1,000 families. Needs remain urgent for safe water, shelter, and livelihood support.
About ADRA
The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is the global humanitarian arm of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, operating in more than 120 countries. Its mission is to serve humanity so all may live as God intended, with programs focused on emergency response, food security, health, education, and sustainable livelihoods.
The original article was published on the ADRA International site. Join the ANN WhatsApp Channel for the latest Adventist news.
