As children lay sleeping in their beds in Afghanistan, a devastating 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck, collapsing their homes around them. The disaster left mass destruction in its wake and put the lives of thousands of children at risk. 

More than 2,000 people have been killed, and thousands more seriously injured. Entire villages have been destroyed, leaving people with nowhere safe to stay, terrified of further collapses. 

With homes reduced to rubble, infrastructure destroyed and thousand needing immediate healthcare, there is an urgent need for shelter, medical supplies and clean water. Survivors, many of whom live in remote, mountainous regions with limited access, now face deadly risks as winter approaches and temperatures begin to fall 

UNICEF teams are on the ground in Afghanistan now. We are delivering emergency supplies but we cannot do it alone. Every moment counts. Please, give what you can today to help save children’s lives.

How you can help

“My mother and one of my sisters were killed during the earthquake. Our house is destroyed we have nowhere to live.”

11-year-old Sajed managed to survive the earthquake – but his mum and sister were both killed. Now, with his home destroyed, he has nowhere safe to sleep. He is scared, traumatized, and needs support now. Families like his in Afghanistan were already struggling for survival on a daily basis. They already didn’t have enough food and water, or access to health care. Now they’ve lost their loved ones, homes and the few possessions they had.  

UNICEF is on the ground now, just as we have been for over 60 years. We have been consistently delivering health care, clean water, and protection. Over 25 UNICEF-supported health facilities are providing critical services and a fleet of 47 ambulances is operating around the clock. We have already distributed over 5,000 family hygiene kits and 40,000 jerry cans for safe water.

UNICEF also builds resilience, rehabilitating water systems, schools and health services, so Afghan communities not only survive this disaster but can recover to build a better future. But we can only do this with your support. You can send life-saving help today for children who have lost their homes and loved ones.