Appeal for Immediate and Sustainable Humanitarian Aid for the Victims of the Earthquakes in Balkh and Samangan

Dear Sir or Madam,

As already reported by the media, on the night of November 3, 2025, a severe earthquake with a magnitude of 6.3 struck the northern Afghan provinces of Balkh and Samangan.

The impact is devastating:

However, it is expected that the full extent of the disaster will only become clear in the coming days. Based on previous experiences with earthquakes in Herat, Khost, and Kunar, it is likely that the current catastrophe will have serious consequences for the affected population, including acute food shortages, outbreaks of disease, homelessness, and lack of medical care. Children, women, the elderly, and sick individuals are particularly vulnerable and urgently need protection and assistance.

In light of this threatening humanitarian situation, we issue an urgent appeal to all responsible authorities and the international community to provide rapid, comprehensive, generous, and sustainable support. We specifically propose the following measures:

Immediate financial assistance for victims and their families:

• Families of the deceased should receive support of 100,000 Afghanis per deceased person.

• Injured individuals should receive financial assistance of 20,000 Afghanis each.

Reconstruction of destroyed homes – act now before winter:

• Destroyed homes must be urgently, quickly, and earthquake-resistantly rebuilt using stone or reinforced concrete construction.

• All new buildings should be equipped with reliable water supply systems and solar panels for electricity generation.

• With winter approaching, there is an urgent need to act, as many families are currently exposed to cold, rain, and soon snow without shelter.

Transitional solutions until reconstruction:

• Women and children should be accommodated in state facilities such as the Darul-Aman Palace, the Intercontinental Hotel, or similar buildings.

• Men can temporarily find shelter in mosques.

Ensuring basic provisions for affected people:

• During the transitional period, free food, medical care, and basic sanitary supplies must be provided to all affected individuals.

The people of Balkh and Samangan now urgently need swift, unbureaucratic, and humane assistance. We strongly appeal to all responsible authorities – both national and international – to heed this call and immediately initiate comprehensive measures.

Sincerely,