Earthquake in Afghanistan

At least 800 people have died, about 2,800 have been injured, and hundreds more could be buried beneath rubble, after a shallow 6.0 magnitude earthquake shook buildings from Kabul, Afghanistan to Islamabad, Pakistan early yesterday morning. (See September 4 update.)

The epicenter was about 27 km (17 miles) from the city of Jalalabad, Nangarhar province, near Pakistan’s border. Most of the lives lost have been in the mountainous regions of Kunar (more than 600) and Nangarhar (12), with damage also felt in Laghman. More than 1,500 were injured. But the numbers are likely inaccurate, as these areas are so remote, communication is difficult, and landslides have closed off access by road.

In October of 2023, three 6.3 earthquakes rocked Afghanistan in succession, killing more than 2,500 people. Just before that, three other earthquakes claimed the lives of more than 1,000: January 2022 (5.6 in Badghis, near Herat), June 2022 (5.9 in Paktika and Khost, eastern Afghanistan) and March 2023 (northeastern Afghanistan). Floods, deathly cold winters, terrorism, and an extremely oppressive government have only increased the desperation of already poverty-stricken families.

An estimated 90% of households don’t have enough food to eat, with countless people dying daily of starvation and malnourishment, especially children. Earning a living is difficult, and in many cases impossible. Under Taliban rule, women are forbidden to work or go to school, leaving desperate mothers with no way to feed their hungry children.

More than 99% unreached with the gospel of Christ, Afghanistan is considered one of the most dangerous countries in the world, with Islamic extremists persecuting and terrorizing not only Christians and women, but other Muslims as well. Most Christian-based aid organizations have been forced to leave Afghanistan, with many of their workers detained.

Lord, please have mercy. Rescue those who are trapped. As they wait alone, injured and afraid, speak to them in powerful ways through dreams, visions and other personal encounters with You. Show them the way to salvation. As those in need cry out for help, answer them quickly. Release Christians who have been detained and open the way for Christian aid to reach those in need, so true help will come in the midst of this terrible tragedy. Give all Christians favor with authorities. Use underground believers to shine Your love and bring healing to the lives of those who have been broken by so much trauma. Perform signs and miracles and wonders to bring thousands of lost to You, O God. Comfort those who mourn. Rebuild what is lost. Provide for every need, and do it in such a way that all will know You are the One who did that. As Muslims suffer greatly under such an oppressive Islamic regime, and as their hearts bear the scars of a lifetime spent without the knowledge of Your salvation, open their eyes to see You, Jesus. Open their ears to hear Your voice calling them to salvation. Open their minds to understand You are the only Way, Truth and Life. And open their hearts wide to receive You as Savior. Give them a hunger for You so deep they will seek You with all their hearts and find You. Don’t let even one more person die without the opportunity to hear, understand and respond to the gospel. Tear down every barrier. End the reign of terror. And awaken the peoples of Afghanistan to Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Join us for the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church on Sunday, November 5, 2025, as we pray for our brothers and sisters who are in danger, and for their persecutors to be saved.

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Mikaela Vincent and her husband are missionaries who live by faith, trusting in God to provide for their needs as they pray for and share Christ with the nations. If you would like to help their ministry through giving a donation, shopping at Mikaela’s online bookstore, praying for them or inviting them to speak at your church, retreat or other event, click the buttons below:

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