A magnitude 6.0 earthquake that hit eastern Afghanistan on August 31 caused roughly $183 million in damage to homes, farms, and key infrastructure, the World Bank said in a released report. It’s the deadliest quake to strike the country since 1998, killing an estimated 2,000 people and affecting up to 1.3 million Afghans.
Most of the destruction hit Kunarha and Nangarhar provinces, which together account for more than 97% of the total damage. Rural houses took the worst beating—often made from mud and stone with heavy roofs, these older buildings were especially at risk of collapse. Farms and grain stores also suffered major losses, along with schools and health facilities.
According to the World Bank, the disaster directly damaged about 1% of Afghanistan’s yearly economic output. But officials warn that actual recovery and rebuilding costs will go much higher. Existing problems—like weak health care, poor water and sanitation, and ongoing conflict—will likely slow recovery and make the quake’s impact even worse.
To help, the Bank moved quickly, redirecting $15 million from existing projects for emergency repairs, cash-for-work jobs, and medical support. Faris Hadad-Zervos, World Bank Country Director for Afghanistan, said the immediate focus is getting lifesaving help to the hardest-hit, especially women and children. “We remain committed to helping Afghan communities rebuild stronger and safer, and to supporting their path toward a more resilient future,” he said.
The Bank’s Community Resilience and Livelihoods Project is putting people to work fixing village roads, irrigation canals, and water supplies. Social grants are going to poor families, while the Afghanistan Health Emergency Response Project is delivering medical supplies to 24 health clinics. The recovery report stresses that future efforts need to tackle gender gaps, conflict, and deeper poverty issues to prevent disasters from hitting even harder next time.
