Originally from Afghanistan and specifically from Kunar, I have lived in the UK for over 35 years. Kunar remains in my heart. It pains me to think that these peace loving, hospitable and warm people who live very simple lives are now facing death, injury, destruction and destitution on such a large scale. With local support and contacts in the region I cannot just sit and watch these innocent people suffer. The least I can do is arrange this fundraiser and with your help, whatever you can donate, give these people a lifeline. Every penny counts and together we can return a glimmer of hope.
On August 31, 2025, a powerful 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan primarily in Kunar Province devastating entire communities across Kunar, Nangarhar, Laghman, and neighbouring regions. Aftershocks including a significant 5.2 tremor on September 2—have deepened the crisis, hampering rescue efforts and landing more lives at risk.
- At least 1,400 lives lost, with over 3,000 people wounded, and many more still feared buried under rubble.
- Thousands of homes—over 5,400—have been damaged or destroyed.
- Entire villages have been flattened, leaving women, children, the elderly, and orphans exposed—many now sleeping in makeshift tents or under open skies.
- Families are forced to bury their dead with scant resources—pulling makeshift planks for graves. Volunteers digging by hand battle aftershocks and the unforgiving terrain to reach survivors.
- In remote valleys, some tents shelter 50 to 100 women and children, often without access to basic sanitation or privacy. A 70-year-old man there mourns the loss of 18 family members and faces homelessness.
- The Norwegian Refugee Council warns: “Families are sleeping in the open, enduring repeated aftershocks... makeshift camps... no access to proper wash facilities.”
Food, water, shelter, medical aid, and sanitation are critical especially as winter approaches, bringing cold nights and fresh suffering.
Salim Azizi is on the ground and will deliver your assistance directly to those in need. Honesty and transparency is a fundamental part of our work. In hopes of being transparent and to collect further donations for our people, Salim Azizi has recorded those in need and will also record your donations being distributed. This shared on my Instagram account @bakes_exquisite. Please see link provided below to view:
When you give shelter, food, water, medicine—are met without delay. Your support goes straight to families in need. Your generosity reaches vulnerable groups: orphaned children, elderly survivors, disabled family members, and women-headed households living in fragile, overcrowded tents. Cash assistance, hygiene kits, blankets, and shelter-repair tools help families rebuild and regain dignity.
Please join in supporting survivors who have lost everything.