Canada providing $3 million in humanitarian aid for Afghans after earthquake

By Canadian Press on September 5, 2025.

OTTAWA — The federal government says it is providing $3 million in humanitarian assistance to support thousands of people affected by Sunday’s deadly earthquake in Afghanistan.

A news release issued by Global Affairs Canada today says $1.3 million will be allocated to the World Food Programme to “scale-up its ongoing response” through the provision of food and logistical services.

The International Committee of the Red Cross will get $1 million to support “conflict-affected communities” hit by the earthquake.

CARE Canada and Islamic Relief Canada will both get $350,000, which the news release says will support “vital assistance, including clean water and sanitation, emergency shelter, essential non-food items and health services.”

The news release says Canada is providing more than $36 million in humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan in 2025 through UN, Red Cross and non-governmental partners.

A spokesperson for the Taliban government said Thursday that the quake had claimed more than 2,200 lives and that search and rescue efforts were continuing, The Associated Press reported.

— With files from The Associated Press

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 5, 2025.

Catherine Morrison, The Canadian Press