Tánaiste announces humanitarian aid for Afghanistan earthquake survivors

The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Harris TD, and Minister for State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD, have announced funding of €500,000 to support humanitarian relief efforts in Afghanistan following Sunday’s devastating earthquake.

Over 1000 people died and thousands more were injured when the magnitude six earthquake struck close to the border with Pakistan. Ireland will contribute €500,000 to the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to support emergency food, water, healthcare and other humanitarian aid for survivors.

The Tánaiste said: “This earthquake has caused utter devastation. The relief operation is going to be very challenging given the mountainous and remote make-up of the area. Landslides and road blockages mean it will take some time to reach people affected.

“There is an urgent need for the international community to assist efforts to get aid to people as quickly as possible. This funding from Ireland will provide basic but life-saving aid to people who have lost everything.”

Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond, said: “The people affected by this earthquake were already facing incredible hardship. This latest disaster has left thousands of people mourning loved ones and facing a complete loss of income. Ireland has a proud record of responding to humanitarian need when disasters strike around the world. It is only right that we do what we can to help people in Afghanistan facing such an unimaginable crisis.

“The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is already responding on the ground, assisting with relief efforts and providing life-saving aid to survivors. The funding from Ireland announced today will help those efforts and bring much-needed relief to people.”

This funding is part of Ireland’s ongoing support to the people of Afghanistan. Ireland has provided €3 million already in 2025 to the UN-managed Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund, as well as an additional €1 million to the UNHCR Afghanistan Refugee Regional Response to support Afghan refugees and host communities in neighbouring states.

The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is a trusted partner of Ireland and has received close to €10m in funding this year for a number of crises.

ENDS

Press Office

04 September 2025