SVA Launches Emergency Assistance for the Eastern Afghanistan Earthquake and Flooding in Afghanistan and Pakistan

The Shanti Volunteer Association (SVA, headquartered in Shinjuku, Tokyo; Chairperson: Kyoei Wakabayashi) has decided to provide emergency humanitarian assistance in response to the magnitude 6.0 earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan on August 31, 2025 (local time; early September 1 in Japan), as well as the devastating flooding caused by heavy rains since late June in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Damaged houses (photo provided by partner organization)

Damage Situation

Eastern Afghanistan Earthquake

Late at night on Sunday, August 31, 2025, a magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan. According to media reports, in Kunar Province alone, 800 people have been confirmed dead, 2,800 injured, and major roads have become impassable, causing extensive destruction.

Immediately after the earthquake, SVA began gathering information in coordination with its local offices. Staff members in our Kabul and Jalalabad offices are confirmed safe. However, we are deeply saddened to learn that former staff members and teachers and students involved in past projects have lost their lives.

In neighboring Nangarhar Province, more than a dozen people are reported dead and several hundred injured. Even before the earthquake, heavy rains had caused flooding in the province, which left at least five people dead and destroyed farmland, roads, and dams.
People fleeing after the earthquake (photo provided by partner organization)

Flooding in Afghanistan and Pakistan Since Late June
Since late June, heavy rains have also caused widespread flooding in neighboring Pakistan. More than 800 people have died, over 1,000 have been injured, and more than 1 million people have been affected. Around 8,000 homes have been damaged across multiple provinces. As further rainfall is expected, concerns remain that the damage may worsen.

While the full scale of the damage from both the earthquake and flooding is still unknown, the severity of the situation has led SVA to launch emergency humanitarian assistance in eastern Afghanistan and flood-affected areas of Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Once preparations are complete, SVA, in cooperation with its local offices and partner organizations, will distribute food, daily necessities, and hygiene supplies. We will continue to provide community-based support tailored to the needs of those affected.

We sincerely ask for your support and cooperation in delivering this emergency assistance.

（References）
Afghanistan Earthquake Damage (NHK)
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20250901/k10014909311000.html

Flood Damage in Nangarhar Province (TOLOnews)
https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-195599

＜About Shanti Volunteer Association (SVA)＞
The Shanti Volunteer Association (SVA) is a Japanese NGO established in 1981. SVA provides educational and cultural support for children in Asia and implements emergency humanitarian assistance. SVA strives to deliver educational opportunities to children so they can continue learning under any circumstances.
Established: December 10, 1981
President: Kyoei Wakabayashi
Head Office: Jibokaikan 2F/3F, 31 Daikyo-cho, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0015, Japan
Activities: Educational and cultural support, emergency humanitarian assistance
Website: https://sva.or.jp/english/

■Original Japanese Press Release■

250902pressafger

■Impact of the disaster■

（Photos provided by partner organizations including HealthNet TPO.）