It is with profound sadness that we acknowledge the devastating magnitude 6.0 earthquake that struck near Jalalabad, Afghanistan, on the night of August 31st. Our hearts go out to the families and communities who have lost loved ones, and to the thousands who have been injured in this tragic natural disaster.
As an organisation that has been actively working in northeast Afghanistan, we have witnessed firsthand the resilience and strength of the Afghan people. Today, that resilience is being tested once again as communities face unimaginable loss and destruction. The current death toll of over 1,400 people represents not just statistics, but families torn apart, children orphaned, and communities forever changed.
The people of Afghanistan have endured tremendous hardships in recent years, and this earthquake adds another layer of suffering to communities already facing significant challenges. However, we have seen time and again how quickly neighbours help neighbours, how communities come together in crisis, and how the human spirit perseveres even in the darkest moments.
The people of Afghanistan were already facing economic collapse, with millions trapped in poverty and hunger. Now, with winter fast approaching, earthquake survivors are sleeping in the open, exposed to the elements. The need for emergency shelter, medical supplies, clean water, and search and rescue equipment is immediate and critical.
We encourage support for relief efforts through the UN Refugee Agency, which is providing emergency relief and shelter to those most in need. You can make a donation on the official UNHCR page by clicking here.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this tragedy. In this time of profound loss, we stand in solidarity with the Afghan people and reaffirm our dedication to building a better, more resilient future together.
Kelly Brantner
Chief Executive Officer
Business for Better Society
📸 UNHCR
