Project Title : Emergency Response to Earthquake-Affected People in Eastern Afghanistan
On 31 August 2025 at 23:47 (local time), a 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan, severely affecting Kunar, Nangarhar, and Laghman provinces near the Pakistan border. In the days following the main shock, multiple strong aftershocks caused additional damage and further disrupted already vulnerable communities.
Joint rapid needs assessments confirmed:
- 2,164 people killed
- 3,428 people injured
- 5,950 homes destroyed
- More than 46,137 people affected
According to OCHA’s response plan, an estimated 498,800 people are in need of humanitarian assistance, of whom 457,000 have been targeted for support.
The worst-affected districts include Nurgal (epicenter) and Chawkay in Kunar Province, as well as Dar-e-Nur district in Nangarhar Province, with neighboring districts also experiencing severe impacts. Two weeks after the main earthquake, search and rescue operations began to phase out as the likelihood of finding survivors diminished. Access to affected communities remains extremely challenging due to mountainous terrain, earthquake-triggered landslides, and rockfalls.
In several villages, all homes and structures were destroyed, leaving families without shelter and resulting in the loss of essential non-food items (NFIs), food stocks, livestock, and safe water sources.
Role of Your Voice Organization (YVO)
Your Voice Organization (YVO), supported by Welthungerhilfe (WHH) through ACBAR’s Twinning Program to strengthen the capacity of national NGOs, is actively engaged in emergency response, community development, and humanitarian assistance in Nangarhar Province.
Due to its strong local presence and deep understanding of the people, culture, and context, YVO was able to respond rapidly. YVO staff were already present in the earthquake-affected areas, where they conducted initial needs assessments, coordinated with community leaders, and supported early response efforts.
In close coordination with WHH, ESNFI Cluster partners, local authorities, and affected communities, YVO has implemented the following activities:
1. Rapid Needs Assessment and Coordination
Conducted rapid needs assessments in the most affected districts, including Nurgal, Chawkay,.
Coordinated with ESNFI Cluster partners, ground responders, and community leaders to identify gaps and avoid duplication of assistance.
Participated in information sharing and response planning to align with cluster priorities.
2. Targeting of Earthquake-Affected Households
Identified and verified 1,381 families who lost their homes due to the earthquake.
Prioritized the most vulnerable households, including families with completely destroyed shelters and limited access to resources.
3. Provision of Heating and Cooking Support
Facilitated to procure traditional wood-fired ovens (Chari), which serve a dual purpose of heating and cooking and are widely accepted by local communities.
4. Cash Assistance for Winter Fuel
Transfer cash assistance of 6,000 AFN per household to support the purchase of locally available firewood.
The cash support is designed to cover heating and cooking needs for approximately three months, corresponding to the full winter period.
Through these activities, YVO and WHH aim to enhance the protection, safety, and dignity of earthquake-affected households by ensuring they are better prepared to withstand harsh winter conditions, while also respecting local practices and community preferences.
YVO remains committed to supporting affected communities through timely, appropriate, and accountable humanitarian assistance in coordination with partners and stakeholders.