S'pore government pledges S$64,000 for Afghanistan earthquake victims

The Singaporean government has pledged US$50,000 (S$64,432) to aid fundraising efforts towards the humanitarian crisis caused by the Aug. 31 earthquake in Afghanistan.

Seed money

On Sep. 4, Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release that Singapore would contribute US$50,000 as seed money to support the Singapore Red Cross’ (SRC) public fundraising efforts for the earthquake in Afghanistan.

Singapore also offered its deepest condolences to the families of the victims of the disaster.

The SRC also announced on Sep. 4 that it was committing S$50,000 in humanitarian aid, as well as launching a public fundraising appeal to support communities affected by the earthquake.

SRC’s Secretary-General Benjamin William said that “our hearts go out to those affected by the disaster.”

He said that the devastation was immense, with many lives lost, homes destroyed, and many communities “in desperate need of immediate relief”.

Bring aid where it is needed most

He said that the SRC stood in solidarity with affected communities, and that it would work closely with its Red Cross and Red Crescent partners to “bring aid where it is needed most”.

The money that the SRC pledged would go to supporting the immediate needs and efforts of the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS).

This includes search and rescue support, emergency healthcare and medical supplies, as well as providing food, clean water, and restoring road access to reach isolated communities.

The ARCS was also establishing temporary camps for displaced families, and its immediate priority was providing emergency shelter assistance.

Details on ways to donate were provided by the SRC at the attached link.

Magnitude 6.0

On Aug. 31, a magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan, at a shallow depth of eight km.

Shallow quakes are typically more destructive.

The SRC reported that the death toll had surpassed 1,400, with over 3,200 injured.

It is estimated that 1.3 million people have been affected, with over 8,000 houses destroyed or damaged.

Afghanistan was already in the midst of a significant crisis before the earthquake, having endured several decades of conflict, civil war, flash floods in 2024, and a magnitude 6.3 earthquake in 2023, which was estimated to have killed 4,000.

No affected Singaporeans

The MFA said that there were no reports of any affected Singaporeans, and that it advised deferring all travel to Afghanistan.

Singaporeans in Afghanistan should remain vigilant, monitor local news, and eRegister with the MFA immediately.

Singaporeans who require consular assistance can contact the 24-hour MFA Duty Office at:

Tel: +65 6379 8800/8855

Email: [email protected]

Top image via Singapore Red Cross