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.