The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) announced in its latest report on the devastating Kunar earthquake that the natural event left behind 649,000 tons of debris and destruction, the immediate cleanup of which is essential.
The report states that the 600-magnitude earthquake that struck Kunar, Nangarhar, Laghman, and Nuristan provinces in late August 2025 left more than 23,000 people homeless and damaged 246,000 buildings, including homes, clinics, and schools.
More than 2,200 people have died and about 3,100 have been injured, while access to mountainous areas is difficult due to landslides and aftershocks.
The UNDP has stressed that survivors, especially women and children, face increasing risks, and operational restrictions, such as a ban on female UN staff, threaten relief efforts.
The United Nations has launched an emergency response plan worth $139.6 million to help 457,000 people by the end of the year and has called for urgent global support.
