The 6.0 magnitude earthquake on 31 August severely affected the eastern provinces of Kunar, Nangarhar and Laghman. More than 1,100 people lost their lives, thousands were injured or displaced. The disaster struck a region already burdened by decades of conflict, economic hardship and limited access to healthcare.

The ICRC’s relief programme targets particularly affected communities in remote and hard-to-reach areas. It provides emergency assistance such as medical care, temporary shelter, cash support, clean water, psychosocial services and measures to restore family links. Infrastructure rehabilitation and mine risk awareness are also part of the programme. Thanks to its long-standing presence in Afghanistan and close cooperation with the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS), the ICRC can deliver rapid and targeted assistance.

OCHA is responsible for the strategic coordination of humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan, ensuring that aid is delivered efficiently, based on needs and in a coordinated manner. The organization helps coordinate the earthquake response, promotes anticipatory approaches to natural disasters and ensures that vulnerable groups such as women, children, returnees and persons with disabilities are taken into account.

Through these contributions, Liechtenstein and the Liechtenstein Red Cross are helping to alleviate suffering and strengthen resilience in one of the regions most dependent on humanitarian assistance worldwide.