A man and a young boy walk through a stream beside a house reduced to rubble after a powerful earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan, killing many and wiping out villages in Kunar province’s Mazar Dara on Monday, Sept. 1, 2025. (AP Photo)
Global Affairs Canada confirmed no Canadian citizens were affected by the powerful earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan on Sunday. The department expressed sympathy for those who lost family members and urged Canadians in the region to reach out if they need help.
Canadians requiring emergency consular support can contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa through phone, text, WhatsApp, or email. Travellers are also encouraged to register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service and check travel advisories for updates.
Quake Causes Massive Destruction
The earthquake, measured at magnitude 6.0, hit towns in Kunar province near Jalalabad in Nangarhar. Afghan officials said the disaster killed at least 800 people and injured over 2,500 others. Authorities also reported widespread destruction, with many villages left in ruins.
Prime Minister Expresses Sympathy
Prime Minister Mark Carney offered his condolences on social media, describing the aftermath as “horrific.” He wrote, “Hundreds of lives lost, families displaced, and communities facing unimaginable hardship. As the Afghan people recover and rebuild, Canada stands ready to provide humanitarian support through our partners.”
Aid Agencies Struggle to Reach Victims
Charlie Goodlake, head of external relations at UNHCR Afghanistan, said delivering help is proving extremely difficult. Many of the affected areas are remote, and helicopters remain the main way to reach survivors.
“We are desperately trying to reach people,” Goodlake said. “We’re rushing people, supplies, to try and meet the most urgent needs, in support of the people affected and the authorities already operating in the area.”
Goodlake noted that the Afghan government responded first due to the challenges in accessing the sites. He also said reports suggest that entire villages have been destroyed.
Survivors Face Urgent Needs
According to aid officials, the most pressing concerns for survivors include finding safe shelter, getting medical care, and receiving enough food and clothing. Relief groups warn that the coming days will be critical as displaced families struggle to meet even the most basic needs.
