UNDP Warns of Massive Recovery Challenge After Deadly Afghanistan Quake

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has released new satellite-based analysis detailing the severe destruction caused by the 31 August earthquake in eastern Afghanistan, warning that communities face urgent humanitarian and reconstruction needs as winter approaches.

The quake, which struck with violent force, has left villages flattened, families homeless, and basic services in disarray. According to UNDP, more than 649,000 tonnes of debris—equivalent to 40,500 truckloads—must be cleared, while an estimated 23,000 to 31,000 people have been forced from their homes.

Scale of the Earthquake’s Impact

The earthquake registered ground shaking up to Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) level 9, a level at which buildings collapse and it becomes difficult for people to remain standing. The worst destruction was concentrated in the provinces of Kunar, Nangarhar, and Laghman, though tremors were also felt in Kabul and northwestern Pakistan.

In total, more than 1.4 million people experienced strong to violent shaking, stretching fragile local infrastructure and emergency response capacity to its limits.

Infrastructure exposure is extensive:

• 246,000 buildings, including homes, schools, and health clinics, lie within high-impact zones.

• 462 km of electric grid lines are at risk.

• Widespread road blockages are limiting access to communities.

Humanitarian Needs and Displacement

Preliminary modelling suggests between 23,000 and 31,000 internally displaced people. With entire families sleeping in the open and health facilities damaged, communities urgently require:

• Earthquake-resistant temporary shelters

• Food, water, and sanitation facilities

• Medical care and mental health support

The UNDP stressed that these numbers are early estimates and must be validated through field assessments as humanitarian access improves.

Voices from the Ground

Stephen Rodriques, UNDP’s Resident Representative in Afghanistan, described the devastation:

“Walking through the rubble in these villages and seeing the devastation firsthand is heartbreaking. Entire communities have been upended. Families are sleeping in the open, and access to basic services is severely disrupted. We must act quickly to restore dignity and safety.”

Rodriques emphasized that debris removal must be safe and reconstruction should focus on quality and resilience. He pointed to lessons from UNDP’s 2023 Herat earthquake response, where community-driven recovery—involving local labour, materials, and ownership—helped deliver both immediate relief and long-term stability.

Satellite Data Driving the Response

In mountainous and remote areas of Afghanistan, where winter is fast approaching, satellite imagery and AI-powered remote sensing are proving critical.

This data is helping agencies:

• Identify priority zones for debris clearance.

• Pinpoint areas in need of infrastructure repair.

• Improve access routes to deliver aid faster.

Devanand Ramiah, Head of UNDP’s Crisis Readiness, Response, and Recovery Team, called for urgent coordinated action:

“This is a race against time. Debris removal and reconstruction operations must start safely and swiftly. The data allows us to target priority areas most in need of debris removal, structural assessments, and restoration of access. A coordinated response at scale is essential to prevent further suffering and support early recovery.”

Call for International Support

The UNDP has issued a global appeal for scaled-up international assistance to fund recovery and reconstruction efforts. With freezing temperatures looming, the most immediate need is for safe, affordable shelter to protect families from the cold.

Beyond immediate relief, the agency aims to ensure that rebuilding strengthens resilience, livelihoods, and local economies, creating a foundation for long-term recovery.

“We stand ready to help communities rebuild safer homes, restore livelihoods, and strengthen local economies,” UNDP said in a statement.

Looking Forward

As Afghanistan struggles with overlapping crises—including conflict, economic instability, and climate-related disasters—the earthquake adds a new layer of hardship for vulnerable communities.

The international community’s response in the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether affected families can survive the winter and begin the long process of recovery.