Archive · 13 Nov 2025
UN Urges Aid for Afghan Earthquake Victims Facing Homelessness and Food Shortages
Imagine a big earthquake shakes up a part of Afghanistan, destroying many houses and leaving people with nowhere to sleep, especially with cold weather coming.
The United Nations is asking for help right away to build new homes and give people warm blankets and food.
It's like a neighborhood cleanup after a big storm, but much more serious because people are cold and hungry.
On top of that, many families in Afghanistan don't have enough to eat, and the UN says almost everyone is struggling to find food.
This problem is getting worse because many people who had to leave their homes in other countries are coming back to Afghanistan.
Also, it's harder for aid workers to help because of tough roads and cold weather, and because of new rules about women working.
The UN wants everyone to work together quickly to make sure people are safe and fed before it gets even colder.
The UN has called for urgent aid for earthquake victims in northern Afghanistan who are homeless and facing freezing temperatures.
A 6.3 magnitude earthquake destroyed nearly 1,000 homes, killing at least 27 people and injuring nearly 1,000 others in Balkh and Samangan provinces.
Affected families urgently need shelter reconstruction and basic living conditions as winter approaches.
Nine out of ten families in Afghanistan are experiencing severe food shortages, forcing them to reduce consumption or sell assets.
Aid delivery is challenged by difficult terrain, winter weather, and restrictions on women working in humanitarian projects, while refugee returns worsen the crisis.
- Who
- The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
- What
- A call for urgent humanitarian aid for earthquake victims facing homelessness and severe food shortages, exacerbated by refugee returns and restrictions on women in aid work.
- When
- The UN called for aid on Thursday, November 13, 2025. The report on food shortages is based on a survey conducted around this date.
- Where
- Northern Afghanistan, specifically Balkh and Samangan provinces.
- Why
- A 6.3 magnitude earthquake destroyed nearly 1,000 homes, leaving families homeless and vulnerable to freezing temperatures. Additionally, widespread food shortages are affecting 90% of families, compounded by refugee returns and restrictions on women's employment.
Urgent Need for Humanitarian Aid
Challenges to Aid Delivery and Recovery
Reconstruction and Shelter Needs
Urgent Need for Humanitarian Aid
Hundreds of families are homeless after a 6.3 magnitude earthquake, requiring urgent aid for shelter reconstruction to survive freezing temperatures as winter approaches.
Challenges to Aid Delivery and Recovery
Challenging terrain and impending winter weather may slow down relief efforts, potentially intensifying the crisis and increasing suffering for affected families.
Food Security and Economic Strain
Urgent Need for Humanitarian Aid
Nine out of ten families in Afghanistan face severe food shortages, with many reducing food consumption or selling assets to survive.
Challenges to Aid Delivery and Recovery
The return of millions of Afghan refugees from Iran and Pakistan, along with restrictions on women working in humanitarian projects, is exacerbating the food crisis and straining recovery efforts.
- Earthquake Magnitude
- 6.3
- Affected Provinces
- Balkh and Samangan
- Deaths
- At least 27
- Injuries
- Nearly 1,000
- Destroyed Homes
- Nearly 1,000
- Food Shortage Prevalence
- 90% of families
- Returning Refugees
- Approximately 2.3 million
