EU humanitarian airbridge delivers 130 tonnes of supplies in support of UNICEF’s relief efforts in eastern Afghanistan

Kabul, Afghanistan, 4 September 2025 – The first of two shipments carrying a total of 130 tonnes of life-saving relief supplies, donated by the European Union from its humanitarian stockpiles, arrived in Kabul today to support children and families affected by the 6.0-magnitude earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan on 31 August 2025. A second shipment will arrive tomorrow, 5 September.

The supplies, fully funded by the European Union’s Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), include tents and other emergency shelter items, clothing, medical supplies, and water and sanitation supplies. The supplies are being delivered on two EU-funded humanitarian charter flights.

“This new earthquake has brought terrible suffering to the Afghan population, the needs we see on the ground are severe and keep increasing. The EU has immediately stepped in to bring live saving aid to the population, donating 130 tonnes of shelter items, medical supplies and other vital equipment," said Mr. François Goemans, head of the European Union’s humanitarian aid office in Afghanistan. "Thanks to UNICEF’s valuable cooperation to arrange two EU-funded flights, these much-needed assistance will be in the country already this week. The EU has also released €1 million in emergency funding for partner organisations providing relief on the ground.”

Thanks to this support, UNICEF and its partners will be able to rapidly scale up their emergency response, providing temporary shelter, safe water, medical assistance, and winter protection to families in Kunar, Nangarhar, and neighbouring affected provinces.

“Children and families affected by the earthquake are in urgent need of life-saving support,” said Dr. Tajudeen Oyewale, UNICEF Representative in Afghanistan. “With the generous support of the European Union, UNICEF will deliver critical supplies and ensure that affected communities receive the immediate assistance they need.”

Since the earthquake, UNICEF teams have been on the ground in the affected areas, working closely with local partners and UN agencies to deliver essential aid, assess emerging needs, and ensure the most vulnerable children receive protection and care.