World Vision deeply concerned as Afghanistan earthquake kills over 1,400

KABUL (September 2, 2025) World Vision expresses deep concern as a second powerful earthquake has struck eastern Afghanistan compounding the devastation from the initial quake the day before.

The death toll from the first quake has now surpassed 1,400, with thousands injured and entire villages destroyed in remote areas of Kunar and Nangarhar provinces.

The second large and shallow quake – at a depth of 10km and 34km east of Jalalabad – follows a series of tremors since the initial quake yesterday. Rescue efforts are severely hampered by landslides, blocked roads, and damaged infrastructure. Aid teams are struggling to reach survivors, and the UN warns that hundreds of thousands may be affected.

World Vision is mobilizing to support the interagency relief effort through national NGO partners already active in the affected provinces.

“The second earthquake in as many days has deepened an already unimaginable tragedy,” said Thamindri De Silva, World Vision’s national director in Afghanistan. “Rescuers are forced to make impossible choices, going only where survival seems possible, because in many villages even helicopters cannot land. The scale of loss is utterly heart-breaking.”

Access is difficult with many villages only reachable by helicopter or by a three-to-four hour walk.

“The children are the ones who suffer most,” Thamindri said. “The trauma is profound – children may experience anxiety, nightmares, and behavioural changes, while adults face depression, grief, and chronic stress. Such psychological effects can last for years, making urgent mental health support essential.”

About World Vision:
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. Motivated by our faith in Jesus Christ, we serve alongside the poor and oppressed as a demonstration of God’s unconditional love for all people. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. For more information, visit worldvision.org or follow on X @WorldVisionUSA.