In Afghanistan, HALO responds in the wake of disaster

Deminers in Afghanistan are best known for clearing landmines and dangerous explosive remnants of war. But they are also uniquely prepared to respond to crises and support communities after sudden shocks.

So, when disaster struck in late August 2025, they didn’t hesitate to act.

On the night of August 31, a 6.0-magnitude earthquake rumbled across Afghanistan’s Kunar, Nuristan, Panjshir, and Nangarhar provinces. It struck in the middle of the night as families slept in their homes.

This was the first of many shocks over the next few days. The first quake was followed by several aftershocks and another full-scale earthquake two days later. The impact destroyed more than 8,000 homes – along with schools, hospitals, shops, and vital infrastructure. Thousands of families’ lives changed overnight.

Heavy rains in late August had caused muddy terrain and landslides, making many roads difficult to pass through. Survivors were cut off. Rescue teams struggled to access affected areas and deliver supplies to those in need. Families began sleeping outdoors. They feared another quake might collapse their shelters and trap them under the rubble.

Vehicles that normally carry deminers and their gear became outfitted as ambulances. Teams who are skilled in responding to dangerous situations made quick use of their knowledge. And the relationships that HALO’s team in Afghanistan has forged with local communities helped them coordinate quickly in the critical moments after disaster struck.

Assessment and rapid response teams deployed immediately to the regions where the earthquake struck. As they arrived at the scene, tremors were still shaking the ground. Roads were completely blocked. One village was entirely destroyed.

Within 24 hours, they rescued seven people, including two children.

To help people who had lost their homes, teams provided and set up 35 tents, each capable of sheltering up to 12 people. HALO’s medical staff treated 86 survivors and evacuated seven people in critical condition for further care.

Responders also delivered 50 emergency aid packages. Each one included 27 essential items: blankets, plastic outdoor rugs, tarps, cooking pots, pressure cookers, tea pots, knives, gas cylinders for fuel, towels, and other supplies to help families stay warm, safe, and dry in the days ahead.

In more than 30 countries, our work frequently goes far beyond the minefield. Whether a community is struck by an earthquake, flood, or refugee crisis, HALO is there to help. 

HALO’s Disaster & Crisis Response Fund makes that rapid action possible. It ensures trained teams can deploy immediately, deliver life-saving assistance, and stand beside families in their most vulnerable moments. It was the compassion of supporters like you who made it possible to respond right away in August 2025.

Your support means that when the next disaster strikes — whether in Afghanistan or elsewhere — HALO can act without hesitation. 

When everything changes overnight, being ready makes all the difference.

If you want to be part of helping families when the next disaster strikes, consider supporting the Disaster & Crisis Fund today.