Canada provides humanitarian assistance in response to earthquake in Afghanistan
News release
September 5, 2025 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
Canada remains deeply concerned about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, which was further exacerbated by the magnitude 6.0 earthquake and aftershocks that struck Nangarhar Province on August 31. With thousands of people affected, humanitarian efforts must be scaled-up to ensure that life-saving assistance reaches those who need it the most.
Today, the Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development), announced that Canada is providing $3 million in humanitarian assistance funding to support emergency relief efforts in response to the earthquake. The funds are being allocated as follows:
- The World Food Programme will be allocated $1.3 million to scale-up its ongoing response, including the provision of food and logistical services.
- The International Committee of the Red Cross will be allocated $1 million from a rapid response project to support conflict-affected communities impacted by the earthquake.
- Through the Canadian Humanitarian Assistance Fund, a project with the Humanitarian Coalition, $350,000 will be allocated to CARE Canada and $350,000 will be allocated to Islamic Relief Canada, supporting vital assistance including clean water and sanitation, emergency shelter, essential non-food items and health services.
Secretary of State Sarai also announced that Canada is providing over $36 million in humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan in 2025 through UN, Red Cross and NGO partners. This funding supports life-saving assistance, such as food and nutrition, emergency health care, clean water and sanitation and protection services.
Canada continues to monitor the situation and remains in close contact with experienced partners to assess and respond to evolving needs.
Quotes
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life and the widespread devastation caused by the earthquake in Afghanistan. My heart goes out to all those affected. Millions of people in the country were already facing a dire humanitarian crisis, and Canada’s additional support will help respond to their growing needs. We will continue to look at ways we can help the people in Afghanistan during these difficult times.”
- Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development)
Quick facts
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Canada is a key donor to the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), which has provided a US$5 million allocation to this humanitarian response. In 2025, Canada provided more than $29 million to the CERF.
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According to the UN, an estimated 22.9 million people, nearly half of the country’s population of 46 million, need humanitarian assistance in 2025.
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Canada works with experienced partners to ensure accountability and due diligence measures are in place for the principled delivery of humanitarian assistance, and does not tolerate any misuse or diversion of funds.
Associated links
Contacts
Shanti Cosentino
Director of Communications
Office of the Secretary of State (International Development)
Shanti.Cosentino@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
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