Afghanistan Earthquake Appeal
Close to 2,000 people have been confirmed dead and over 3,600 injured after a 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan in early September.
Most families were asleep when the quake struck around midnight local time in Kunar province. Children described waking in terror as homes collapsed around them, and families fled in panic to try and find safety. Multiple aftershocks after the initial quake also caused significant damage.
The impact of the quake was particularly severe as the earthquake was very shallow, just 5 miles (8 kilometres) below the surface of the earth.
The earthquake struck a remote and mountainous region of Afghanistan, meaning the severe damage caused had a devastating effect and affected more than 498,000 people.
"Entire villages have been turned into mud and rubble in Kunar and the death toll is rising every hour. Thankfully Islamic Relief’s team in the affected region is safe and we have now deployed an emergency health team to get urgent aid to survivors.”
Islamic Relief is on the ground supporting survivors
Just hours after the earthquake struck, Islamic Relief deployed an emergency health team to provide critical services to survivors. We are providing essential health services including mother and child healthcare, treatment of injuries, nutritional support, and trauma counselling.
To date, we have reached more than 141,000 with life-saving aid.
Islamic Relief has worked in Afghanistan for over 20 years. In 2024, we supported more than 636,000 people in 20 of the country’s 34 provinces, providing aid including food, nutrition, healthcare, education and sustainable livelihoods.
In the earthquake-affected provinces of Kunar and Nangarhar we support farmers to improve agricultural production and help small businesses to thrive. Islamic Relief has also provided support in response to the earthquakes in Paktika and Herat.
This earthquake comes as people in Afghanistan are already struggling to cope with widespread drought and the impact of global cuts to humanitarian aid, which have resulted in the closure of essential services such as health facilities and nutrition centres.
An earthquake is the sudden release of energy in the outer layers of the Earth, causing the ground to shake, and sometimes even crack, depending on the quake’s strength.
Earthquakes are among the deadliest natural disasters because they strike without warning, and many areas prone to earthquakes are also highly populated.
Unlike other natural disasters, such as flooding and wildfires, earthquakes have not significantly increased in frequency or severity due to climate change. However, there are fears that earthquakes will become more deadly as urbanisation increases, including in areas vulnerable to earthquakes.
The Earth’s surface is made up of large sections of rock called tectonic plates, which fit together like a jigsaw. These plates are constantly moving and rubbing against each other due to molten rock below, and are responsible for creating mountain ranges, oceans and other geographical features.
They are also responsible for natural disasters like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
Some plates have ‘faults’ – rough patches of rock that prevent the plates from sliding smoothly and are reflected in ‘fault lines’ on the Earth’s surface. These faults are gradually worn away by tectonic movement, creating ripples of seismic energy that can mirror the amount of energy released by an atomic bomb. This is an earthquake.
During an earthquake waves of energy are released, causing the Earth’s surface to shake, and sometimes triggering tsunamis.
The severity of an earthquake’s impact will depend on its strength and where the epicentre is located. Strong earthquakes can damage or completely collapse buildings, tear down bridges and render asphalt and concrete roads impassable. This damage to infrastructure can cut affected communities off from escaping further danger, accessing essential services like hospitals, and receiving aid.
Large earthquakes can often be followed by aftershocks, also known as tremors – smaller earthquakes that occur hours, days, or even weeks and months after the major event.
Smaller earthquakes may cause only minor damage, such as items falling off shelves in homes and other buildings, or might not even be felt at all.
Due to Islamic Relief’s humanitarian mandate and based on our extensive experience with the communities with which we work, we include children who have a father whose whereabouts has been unknown for two years or more, or one year for refugees and internally displaced people.
In line with the UN Convention for the Rights of the Child (CRC) of which nearly all countries are signatories, Islamic Relief has extended this classification to define a child as any human being under the age of 18. However, it is still possible to continue to sponsor a child beyond the age of 18 in order to support the education of an existing orphan.
Until recently, earthquakes were measured on the Richter scale. This scale used numbers 1-10 to indicate the magnitude (i.e. strength) of an earthquake, with 10 being the most powerful. The Richter scale is logarithmic, meaning, in this case, that each number value is 10 times more than the preceding one. So, for example, a magnitude 6 earthquake is 10 times stronger than a magnitude 5 earthquake.
Today, the Richter scale has been replaced by the Moment Magnitude Scale, which is more accurate at measuring larger quakes. However, it uses the same number value to measure earthquakes’ magnitudes.
Countries located in areas of high seismic activity are particularly vulnerable to earthquakes. Among these areas, the most active are the Pacific Ring of Fire and the Alpide Belt, which take in countries including Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Chile, the Philippines, China, Iran and Türkiye.
Other countries outside these areas that are also at high risk from earthquakes are Italy, Greece and the United States (specifically the Los Angeles area).
Parts of Afghanistan lie within the Alpide Belt, making it, and other Himalayan countries, highly vulnerable to earthquakes.
In the last 10 years, Afghanistan has been struck by at least 7 strong earthquakes (i.e. magnitude 6 or over), which have killed thousands of people.
Most of these recent quakes have hit in the Hindu Kush area, where the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates rub against one another.
The strongest earthquake ever recorded struck off the coast of Biobio, Chile, on 22 May 1960. The magnitude 9.5-quake killed an unknown number of people and left millions homeless.
Without an accurate death toll, estimates range from 1,000 to 6,000. The damage caused by the disaster was similarly massive, with huge swathes of the port city of Valdivia destroyed.
The enormous earthquake triggered tsunamis that rose as high as 80 feet along the Chilean cost. Hours later, 18-feet waves hit Japan, and later still 35-feet waves crashed into Hawaii. The earthquake is also believed to have caused the nearby Cordon Caulle volcano in Chile to erupt just 2 days later.
No. Tsunamis generally happen when the epicentre of an earthquake is underwater, and the hypocentre is shallow enough to affect the surface of the seafloor.
To trigger a tsunami, an earthquake’s magnitude would also have to be very strong (6.5 or higher), and the quake would have to cause significant vertical movement of the ocean floor. If an earthquake causes the ocean floor to shake side to side, rather than up and down, a tsunami is less likely.
While seismologists – scientists that study earthquakes – can often predict where an earthquake will occur, it is so far impossible to know when they will happen.
To combat the threat, some earthquake-prone countries have buildings designed to resist collapse, and evacuation routes and assembly points in place.
Individuals should look to their local authorities for specific advice, but general advice includes identifying hazards in the home ahead of time and securing heavy items, such as bookcases, that could fall and cause injury in the event of an earthquake.
People can also prepare for the worst, by gathering essential supplies and important documents in an accessible place should they need to leave home quickly.
Advice on how to keep safe during an earthquake depends where you are when it happens. You should refer to your local body responsible for disaster preparedness for the most suitable advice. However, below is some general advice:
If you are indoors, you should drop to your hands and knees and try to hold onto something sturdy. Cover your head and neck with your arms or crawl under a sturdy desk or table if you’re able to.
If there is no shelter nearby, crawl next to an interior wall, away from any windows and doorways, and remain on your hands and knees. This position offers some protection for your vital organs. It’s important not to panic and run outside, where you could be more at risk from toppling buildings.
If you are outdoors, try to move to an open area away from buildings, trees, streetlights and power lines that may collapse. Drop to your hands and knees and cover your head to protect yourself from debris.
After an earthquake, you could be at risk from damaged buildings, potential gas leaks and numerous other hazards. Always seek advice from your local disaster management body for specific advice.
Aftershocks may occur, so be ready to drop to the ground and seek cover, if needed. Check yourself for any injuries and leave or move away from any damaged buildings.
If you are in a coastal area at risk from tsunamis, move to higher ground or further inland as soon as possible.
Once you are safe, move to any official evacuation or assembly points, and keep track of developments through official news channels.
When responding to earthquakes, Islamic Relief aims to reach affected communities as soon as possible with essential items such as drinking water and shelter materials.
From there, depending on the scale of the disaster, we may work with local partners, other International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs), and authorities to coordinate a response, ensuring we are meeting the needs of affected people as efficiently as possible.
For large-scale emergencies, this response could last months or even years, and will be adapted to meet communities’ changing needs, such as access to clean water and sustainable livelihoods.
In Afghanistan right now, our team is on the ground coordinating efforts to deliver food packs, hygiene kits and cash to affected families.
We have also deployed a health team to provide essential services to the affected areas, and have been providing refreshments to people in need.
Please help us to continue this vital work supporting families affected by this earthquake. Donate to our Afghanistan Earthquake Appeal today.
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Zia Salik was appointed Interim Director of Islamic Relief UK in 2025, and brings with him over 18 years of third sector experience. He has held several leadership roles within Islamic Relief UK, including National Events Coordinator, National Community Fundraising Manager, Head of Fundraising, and Deputy Director. Zia has led national fundraising strategies, managed large-scale campaigns and events, and contributed significantly to volunteer development, donor engagement and public outreach.
As Interim Director, Zia oversees multiple teams and contributes to strategic planning, operational leadership and organisational growth. He is recognised for his expertise in major donor management, public speaking, media engagement and community fundraising. Zia has been instrumental in building strong community networks and delivering impactful campaigns.
Before joining Islamic Relief, Zia served as Programmes Manager at Humber All Nations Alliance, where he led organisational growth, project delivery and funding proposals.
Zia is a seasoned leader committed to social justice, who brings a collaborative, mission-driven approach to his work, helping to amplify voices and maximise impact in the charity sector.
Nadeem has a wealth of experience from the charity, statutory and private sectors. He is the Managing Director of HAD (a division of IRW) which is a centre of excellence seeking to empower the humanitarian sector and maximise its effectiveness and from October 2025 will serve as our interim CEO.
Before joining Islamic Relief, for nearly a decade at the General Medical Council — a globally recognised professional regulator — Nadeem managed strategic relationships with Chief Medical Officers and senior leaders. Prior to that, he served as the UK Director of Islamic Help, engaging closely with many international non-governmental organisations and playing a key role in fundraising and media activities.
In 2000, Nadeem was admitted as a solicitor. He spent nearly 8 years as a Partner at a law firm specialising in employment, regulatory and charity law. He has published papers, including in the Modern Law Review, and chapters in books.
Nadeem is deeply committed to strengthening civil society organisations and the charity sector, and throughout his career has focused on improving foundations for future generations and building strong networks. Nadeem has particular expertise working in matters of Learning and Development, especially personal and professional development, combining Islamic principles with modern techniques and interventions. He is also especially interested in psychological perspectives and cognitive distortions. He has designed and delivered training to thousands of people for nearly 3 decades.
As well as individual development and growth, Nadeem has spent 20 years working with organisations to manage and lead people to improve outcomes and efficiencies. He is a Consultant Coach, qualified at ILM Level 5 in Effective Coaching and Mentoring and ILM Level 7 in Executive and Senior Leadership Coaching. He was Chair of the Independent Advisory Group for the Professional Standards Department of West Midlands Police for 4 years, where he was awarded recognition for his ‘Outstanding Work.’
Saqeb Mueen
Asha joined Islamic Relief in 2025 with the aim of working with colleagues to create an environment where everyone feels valued, empowered, and motivated to contribute meaningfully to our shared mission.
Asha has more than 20 years of experience in HR leadership across a range of industries, holding roles at Thomson Reuters, BMW, Movado Group and others. She is passionate about building strong, resilient teams and fostering positive workplace cultures where individuals are empowered to thrive, contribute and do their best work.
Asha holds a BA in Management, Economics and Law, as well as a BA in Business Studies. She is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development.
Adnan joined Islamic Relief in 2004 as a regional fundraiser in the UK. He worked in multiple roles over 10 years at Islamic Relief UK, including setting up the first digital team and leading the growth of digital fundraising and engagement. Adnan also led numerous fundraising and marketing campaigns, which played a significant part in the growth of Islamic Relief UK.
Having moved to Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2014, Adnan has held different roles that have helped grow Islamic Relief’s global digital footprint into new geographic territories, supporting Islamic Relief members with their digital and marketing growth as well as developing new products and initiatives for the Islamic Relief family.
Adnan graduated in Industrial Design and Technology from Loughborough University. He has since completed an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from Durham University and a Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Institute of Data and Marketing.
Nadeem Azhar
Nadeem joined Islamic Relief Worldwide in September 2022. He has worked in the charitable sector for over a decade.
He studied Modern History and Politics at Manchester University, and at the University of Law in London before qualifying as a solicitor in 2011.
Nadeem is an experienced corporate, commercial and governance lawyer, having worked with various faith-based and grant making charities as well those in health and education settings. He was a partner at a law firm in London before moving in-house where he focused on setting up and restructuring charities and social enterprises.
Most recently, Nadeem was Lead Counsel at Mind, a leading mental health charity, where he co-authored a new federation agreement, revamped legal processes, and played a major role in developing its strategic and fundraising partnerships.
Nadeem has been a charity trustee for the Seafarers Charity, as well as many grant-making bodies and theatre companies.
Salaheddin joined Islamic Relief UK in 2006 and over the next 7 years held multiple roles, including Community Fundraiser and Campaigns Manager, before joining Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2013.
Since then, Salaheddin has been instrumental in the launch and growth of new Islamic Relief member offices in Ireland, Spain, Norway and Finland, as well as providing essential support and guidance to existing members, including Italy, where he served as CEO for 3 years.
In 2023, Salaheddin became Deputy Director of Global Family Development and in this role has continued to play a crucial part in steering Islamic Relief’s growth and expansion. He has also led global fundraising and media engagement for major emergencies including the Türkiye-Syria earthquake and Libya floods. Salaheddin became the Interim Director of Global Family Development in 2025.
Salaheddin holds a master’s degree in International Development and is actively involved in several community-led initiatives. He is currently the Vice President of the International Union of Muslim Scouts and Deputy Chair of the UK Muslim Scouts Fellowship as well as Chair of the South Birmingham Muslim Community Association.
Martin Cottingham joined Islamic Relief in 2012 as IRUK Media Relations Manager, and was appointed Head of Communications in 2015 before taking up his current position as Director of External Relations and Advocacy for Islamic Relief Worldwide.
Martin has helped Islamic Relief to increase its mainstream media profile and expand its campaigning work, producing hard-hitting advocacy reports on floods in Pakistan (2011) famine in Somalia (2012) disaster risk reduction (2013) and aid to Afghanistan (2014). He has over 20 years’ experience working in media, communications and marketing roles for international development and environmental charities.
Martin graduated from the University of London with a degree in English and Drama (1982-85) then trained as a journalist with a postgraduate diploma at City University (1986-87). He has previously worked for Christian Aid as Editor of Christian Aid News and Media Relations Manager (1988-97) for Oxfam as Regional Campaigns Manager (1997-2000) and at the Soil Association as Marketing Director (2001-2006), as well as working for a wide range of organisations as a freelance writer, researcher and communications consultant.
Waseem Ahmad joined the Islamic Relief family over 24 years ago, serving as Programme Officer in the Balochistan province of south-western Pakistan before becoming Head of Programmes in Pakistan. Waseem then moved to Oxfam and Tearfund before returning to Islamic Relief to establish our mission in Malawi. Later serving as Head of Programme Funding and Partnerships, Waseem led the response to major crises across the globe, including the East Africa drought, Pakistan earthquake and the Indian Ocean Tsunami.
Waseem then served for nearly 6 years as our Director of International Programmes, during which time the charity secured and retained the coveted Core Humanitarian Standard certification in recognition of the quality of our programming. He was appointed CEO of Islamic Relief in May 2021.
With a special interest in community mobilisation and infrastructure, Waseem received an MSc in Project Planning and Management from the University of Bradford, as well as an MSc in Economics from Arid Agriculture University in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
Waseem has also worked for Lepra Health in Action and is a member of the International Civil Society Centre’s Board of Trustees. The father-of-3 enjoys walking and playing football, and is a keen birdwatcher.