Major 6.4 earthquake in Asia strikes parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan; IRC fearful for populations already facing a multitude of crises

International Rescue Committee (IRC) teams have reported a major earthquake measuring 6.4 in Afghanistan, with tremors felt in neighboring countries, including Pakistan.

Staff and programs are safe and unharmed but large parts of both countries have been affected by tremors, and aftershocks will likely occur in the coming days and weeks.

This is the latest in a string of significant earthquakes that have struck Afghanistan in the last three months, with at least 3 consecutive earthquakes causing major destruction.

The IRC is profoundly fearful of what the earthquake means for the population and the humanitarian response in Afghanistan, which is already stretched and dealing with the consequences of decades of conflict, climate change, and economic crisis.