The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched an emergency appeal to aid survivors of the powerful 6.1-magnitude earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan late on Aug. 31, followed by a series of aftershocks.

The quake, with a depth of just 8 to 10 kilometers, leveled large numbers of homes in remote mountain villages. Roads were blocked, communications severed and rescue efforts slowed. On Sept. 3, a shallow 5.5 aftershock rattled the same region, heightening fears of further casualties.

Abdul Latif Sabit, deputy secretary general of the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS), said his team set out for the disaster zone at 1 a.m., but collapsed roads forced them to continue on foot. He stressed that most homes in the area were built with mud, stone and timber, with no earthquake-resistant design, and “collapsed instantly” when the tremor hit.

The earthquake has already been described as one of Afghanistan’s worst disasters in years. Entire villages have been flattened, and treacherous terrain has kept rescue workers from reaching isolated communities. Authorities say more than 1,500 people have been killed, 3,200 injured and 5,400 homes destroyed. With many areas still inaccessible, the toll is expected to rise.

To meet urgent needs, IFRC dispatched teams to assess the damage and support ARCS relief operations, while also issuing a 25 million Swiss franc appeal (about $29 million) to fund emergency relief and recovery programs through 2027. The Taiwan Red Cross would contribute $20,000 to the effort, calling it a humanitarian commitment that transcends borders.

Trained volunteers have already deployed to conduct aerial and ground assessments, while mobile medical teams are easing pressure on overwhelmed hospitals with first aid and ambulance services. With IFRC’s backing, ARCS has prepared thousands of blankets, tents, water containers and cooking sets in Kabul for immediate distribution to families in need.

The response will unfold in phases: short-term relief includes emergency shelter, cash assistance, primary health services and clean water; medium-term measures will focus on transitional shelters and permanent housing to help survivors rebuild.

“This earthquake struck at the worst possible time,” said Jagan Chapagain, secretary general of the IFRC. “It has not only brought immediate suffering but also worsened an already dire humanitarian crisis.” He warned that the coming days would be critical for saving lives, stressing that international support—both now and over the next two years—would be essential to meeting Afghanistan’s immense needs.