A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 7.5 struck on Monday, October 26th in northeastern Afghanistan. The earthquake was felt particularly in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and India. Action Against Hunger teams will launch assessments in the affected areas.

The provisional toll reported at least 100 dead across the region. This is a number that may rise in the coming hours according to Brian Hansen, director of Action Against Hunger's operations in Afghanistan. "The human toll continues to rise and house demolitions are also many, however it is much too early to give precise information about the situation because telecommunications are cut in large areas of the country," he said.

The quake was felt in most Afghan provinces with stronger shocks in the northern provinces, including Panjshir, Badakhshan, Nuristan, Kapisa, and Kunduz. According to the American Geological Institute, the epicenter would be at Jurm in Badakhshan province in the far northeast of Afghanistan, and at a depth of 213.5 kilometers. This earthquake felt akin to Nepal, where Action Against Hunger intervened following a similar disaster there six months ago.  

Present in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and India, Action Against Hunger teams will travel to the affected areas to assess the extent of damage and needs in the northeast of Afghanistan, and work with local authorities to assess the damage in our present program areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Pakistan. A humanitarian response may be considered to help those affected by the earthquake, according to the situation.

Spokesperson available for interview

Press contact: Julia Belusa - jbelusa@actioncontrelafaim.org   
01 70 84 72 22/06 70 01 58 43