It was one of the worst earthquakes ever to hit Afghanistan – when the earth shook in early September, over 6,000 people lost their homes and more than 2,000 were killed. The impassable Kunar region was one of the areas affected in eastern Afghanistan.

We instantly realized that we had to help. The initial plan to bring food to the disaster area was quickly abandoned. Larger organizations were better equipped logistically, and it was difficult to obtain permission from the Taliban.

Instead, on September 6, two of our ALS employees, Mr. Nazar Matin and Mr. Zarif Samimi, left Kabul and traveled to the village of Nahr Gal in Kunar province. The approximately 4-hour drive was followed by an arduous 4-hour walk, as all infrastructure in the affected area had been destroyed.

Once there, the two were able to assess the extent of the destruction and talk to the village elders about who was in particular need of help. Instead of distributing food, we are distributing money so that the affected people can purchase building materials to rebuild their homes, especially in view of the approaching winter. This first campaign provided 38 families with 5,000 afghani (approx. 63 euros) each.

We would like to raise more money so that we can help others in the small village of Nahr Gal, especially women and children. Unfortunately, the Taliban only allow us to help women who have lost loved ones in the earthquake. Sadly, this applies to most of the residents.

Almost all of the donated money goes to the affected families. We only deduct the cost of gasoline for the car and, if necessary, accommodation/meals for ALS employees during the trip. There are no other administrative costs, as the salaries of ALS employees are already paid and they are available for this mission. All NAZO employees here in Germany work on a voluntary basis and we transfer the donations 1:1 to Afghanistan.

Please help us bring rapid assistance to Kunar province, especially for women and children.