Hurricane Melissa carved a path of destruction across the Caribbean, leaving fatalities, widespread flooding, and significant damage in its wake on October 30, 2025. The storm struck southwestern Jamaica on October 28, 2025, with winds exceeding 185 mph, causing catastrophic flooding and destroying historic sites, including the 1700s Black River Anglican Church.

Authorities have declared Jamaica a disaster area as search-and-rescue and clean-up efforts are underway. Power outages and communication disruptions persist across the island nation.

Hurricane Melissa: Facts, FAQs, and how to help

• Fast Facts: Hurricane Melissa
• What’s the latest update on Hurricane Melissa?
• What’s the impact of Hurricane Melissa in the Caribbean?
• How many people have been affected by Hurricane Melissa?
• How is World Vision helping communities impacted by Hurricane Melissa?
• What’s the impact of Hurricane Melissa on the people of Haiti?
• How can I help people affected by Hurricane Melissa and other disasters?

Fast Facts: Hurricane Melissa

• Formed on October 21, 2025, as the 13th named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.
• Intensified into a Category 5 hurricane on October 27, 2025.
• Reached maximum sustained winds at 185 mph, with higher gusts, according to NOAA.
• Made landfall in Jamaica on October 28, 2025, causing catastrophic winds, torrential rains, and flooding.
• The storm affected millions across the Caribbean, including Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic.
• Torrential rain lashed Haiti, the Caribbean’s most populous nation, causing floods and landslides.
• Resulted in nearly 30 deaths across the region: Haiti (25 deaths, including 10 children), Jamaica (4 deaths), and the Dominican Republic (1 death). Many others are missing.
• Endangered 1.6 million children in Jamaica, Haiti, and the surrounding islands.
• Caused widespread displacement, infrastructure damage, and agricultural loss across the Caribbean.

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What’s the latest update on Hurricane Melissa?

As of October 30, 2025, Hurricane Melissa had weakened to a Category 1 storm.

Melissa is currently 430 miles west-southwest of Bermuda, moving northeast at 30 mph. After passing Bermuda, the storm is expected to weaken further as it heads toward the Canadian Maritimes. By Saturday, Melissa is expected to become a strong post-tropical storm near Newfoundland.

At its peak, Melissa was a Category 5 hurricane, causing catastrophic damage across Cuba, Haiti, and Jamaica.

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What’s the impact of Hurricane Melissa in the Caribbean?

Hurricane Melissa has unleashed powerful winds, torrential rainfall, and landslides across the Caribbean. As of October 30, 2025, the latest updates on the storm’s impact by countries are as follows:

Cuba

• Authorities had evacuated more than 700,00 people across eastern Cuba ahead of the storm’s landfall.
• In the province of Santiago alone, at least 241 communities remained isolated and without communications, affecting up to 140,000 residents.

Dominican Republic

• Heavy rains and widespread flooding triggered landslides, damaging homes and displacing hundreds of  900 people. Over 1.1 million people are without access to safe drinking water.

Haiti

• At least 25 people, including 10 children, have died in Haiti, and 12 are missing. Damage reports indicate that over 1,000 homes have been flooded, damaged, or destroyed, and nearly 12,000 people have moved into emergency shelters.

Jamaica

• Up to 1.5 million people could be impacted by the storm. Widespread power outages have left at least 72% of the island without electricity, and many areas are reporting catastrophic infrastructure damage.
• AccuWeather estimates that Melissa could cause $22 billion in damages and economic loss, with rebuilding potentially taking a decade or more.

Across the region, children are among the most vulnerable, facing disrupted schooling, unsafe shelter, and rising risks of malnutrition and exploitation.

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How is World Vision helping communities impacted by Hurricane Melissa?

In Haiti, we already have a strong presence and are taking steps in our disaster relief efforts there:

• Pre-positioned emergency supplies: We are supporting at least 4,000 households with food, clean water, hygiene kits, and shelter materials. Local networks shared alerts and preparedness tips, helping residents brace for the storm’s impact.

In Jamaica, where World Vision doesn’t operate, we are preparing hurricane disaster relief through our partnerships:

• Pre-positioned emergency aid supplies: All six World Vision warehouses have essential supplies ready to deploy, with initial loads coming from Pittsburgh and Dallas to expedite delivery. As of October 30, 2025, two shipping containers of emergency response supplies from our Pittsburgh warehouse have been dispatched to Miami. Once distribution hubs in Jamaica are identified by the National Baptist Convention (NBC), World Vision will work to transport the containers to a port in Jamaica and onward to NBC church distribution sites.  
• Shipping containers of aid: Immediate relief supplies from our Pittsburgh warehouse to Miami, for onward transport to Jamaica. Supplies include:
  • Flood buckets
  • Generators
  • Hygiene kits
  • Tarps
  • Additional emergency items

Through these efforts, World Vision is working to ensure that children and families in both Haiti and Jamaica can receive urgent assistance in the wake of Hurricane Melissa.

“With communications down and so many communities cut off, our biggest challenge is getting aid to those who need it most,” said Mike Bassett, World Vision’s national director of domestic humanitarian and emergency affairs. “We’re working with partners to deliver supplies and reach families in the hardest-hit areas.”

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What’s the impact of Hurricane Melissa on the people of Haiti?

At least 25 people have died across Haiti, and 13 are missing. Damage reports indicate that at least 450 homes have been flooded, damaged, or destroyed.

“Children and families in Haiti are facing compounding crises,” said Lesly Michaud, national program director in Haiti. “We are committed to standing with communities through this storm and beyond, ensuring they receive the support they need to recover and rebuild.”

Prior to the storm, Haiti was already facing significant challenges. One of the world’s most vulnerable countries, Haiti’s nearly 5 million people — half of them children — are facing severe hunger. World Vision warns that Hurricane Melissa could further devastate food systems and set back recovery efforts amid ongoing violence and displacement.

“Food insecurity has been plaguing Haiti for the past year or so, where more than half of the population is food insecure,” said Guy F. Vital-Herne, communications manager for World Vision in Haiti. “The impact that we are seeing so far of Hurricane Melissa is putting more pressure now on some populations, with many crops being destroyed right now.”

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How can I help people affected by Hurricane Melissa and other disasters?

• Pray: Join us in praying for all those impacted by Hurricane Melissa and other disasters around the world.
• Give: Your gift will help deliver urgent aid to children and families impacted by this hurricane and other disasters around the world.

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For children in conflict-affected areas of the Middle East, the sounds of armed violence have become a tragic regular reality. Schools that once provided hope and stability are now closed, with classrooms turned into makeshift shelters. Thousands of displaced families face uncertainty every day.

Middle East crisis: Facts, FAQs, and how to help

Explore facts, and frequently asked questions about the crisis in the Middle East, and learn how you can help impacted communities.

• Fast facts: Middle East crisis
• How is the Middle East crisis affecting children?
• What is World Vision doing to help impacted families in the Middle East?
• How can I help the children and families affected by the crisis in the Middle East?

Fast facts: Middle East crisis

• In Lebanon:
  • More than 4 million people need humanitarian assistance.
  • Over 80% of Lebanon’s population lives in multidimensional poverty, struggling to access basic needs.
  • In some areas of Lebanon, half of children under age 2 experience severe food poverty.
  • Over 300 schools have been damaged from conflict.

• West Bank:
  • About 14,000 children are displaced.
  • Many schools in the West Bank are open only three days a week.
  • Health clinics are open just one day a week, with limited access to healthcare personnel and essential supplies.
  • 3 million children are at risk as the crisis worsens.

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How is the Middle East crisis affecting children?

Every child deserves to feel safe, to learn, and to grow up healthy. Right now, violence, poverty, and failing services are stealing those basic rights from far too many children. In some regions of Lebanon, more than half of children under 2 face severe food poverty, while nationwide nearly a third of children under 18 had just one meal or none the day before.

In the West Bank, frequent service interruptions mean that children often go without regular schooling or healthcare. Many experience stress, fear, and uncertainty about the future. When the basic structures that protect childhood break down, children lose the stability and opportunity that every young person deserves.

Children in Lebanon and the West Bank are growing up amid conditions that threaten their health, learning, and security. Families are struggling to find enough food, and many can no longer afford diverse or nutritious meals. In some regions of Lebanon, more than half of children under age 2 are affected by severe food poverty. Across the country, more than a third of children have one or fewer meals a day.

Education has also been disrupted. In the West Bank, many schools operate only three days a week, leaving children without consistent learning or the structure and stability that classrooms provide. Healthcare facilities are open one day a week, leaving communities vulnerable to illnesses with limited access to healthcare professionals and essential supplies.

The loss of essential needs such as food, safety, and stability places significant psychological strain on children, compounding the effects of ongoing conflict.

“The conflict is impacting children caught in this cycle of violence, hunger, and displacement. Behind each statistic is a story — stories of children and the families who want to keep them safe — enduring unimaginable fear, trauma, and loss,” says Margaret Schuler, senior vice president of International Programs for World Vision.

Such experiences can shape how children grow, learn, and dream long after the crisis ends.

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What is World Vision doing to help impacted families in the Middle East?

World Vision is working in both Lebanon and the West Bank to meet urgent needs while helping families recover and rebuild stronger communities for the future.

In Lebanon, World Vision reached over 589,000 people, including more than 217,000 children, through programs focused on education, protection, water, sanitation, and hygiene, food security, and cash assistance.

• 10.2 million meals delivered to families in need
• 24,700 blankets distributed
• 61,000 hygiene kits distributed
• 11,600 children received psychosocial support
• 934 shelters rehabilitated, including schools, homes, and health care centers, to help ensure dignified living conditions and access to essential services.​

In the West Bank, World Vision has reached more than 1 million people, including 430,000 children. The response includes five key components: emergency aid for communities affected by violence and displacement, mental health and psychosocial support, and protection initiatives that strengthen first responder capacity and improve access to health services and education.

• 10,700 people received cash or voucher assistance, allowing families to meet their most urgent needs
• 35,000 children have access to safe play and recreation areas where they can connect and play with others
• 28,000 children are participating in social and emotional learning activities that help build confidence and coping skills

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How can I help the children and families affected by the crisis in the Middle East?

Now more than ever, children in Lebanon and across the Middle East need our help. Every child deserves to feel safe, to learn, and to grow up healthy. Right now, violence, poverty, and failing services are stealing those basic rights from far too many children. ​Our staff and those we serve deeply appreciate the continued prayers of our donors and partners. Gifts to support these and other urgent relief efforts can be made to our Disaster Relief Fund.

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 Amy Van Drunen of World Vision in the United States contributed to this article. 

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Hurricane Helene, a catastrophic Category 4 storm, made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region on September 26, 2024, with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph. The storm triggered mass evacuations, with over 5 million people fleeing coastal areas along the East Coast. Helene caused widespread destruction, bringing record-breaking rainfall, severe flooding, and hurricane-force winds across several states. At least 227 people lost their lives in the extreme weather event.

Hurricane Helene: Facts, FAQs, and how to help

• Fast facts: Hurricane Helene
• What is the latest update on Hurricane Helene?
• How did Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton impact the southeastern U.S. in 2024?
• How is World Vision helping communities impacted by Hurricane Helene?
• How can I help people affected by Hurricane Helene and other disasters in the U.S.?

Fast Facts: Hurricane Helene

• Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm, made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region on September 26, 2024, with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph.
• The storm caused widespread destruction across northwestern Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and the Carolinas, bringing record-breaking rainfall, severe flooding, and hurricane-force winds ranging from 40 to 60 mph.
• Hurricane Helene ranked among the most powerful storms to hit the United States and the strongest hurricane on record to strike Florida’s Big Bend region.
• Among the deadliest U.S. hurricanes since Maria in 2017 and Katrina in 2005, Helene claimed at least 227 lives.
• With initial damage estimates of at least $79.6 billion, Helene ranks among the costliest hurricanes in U.S. history.
• Compounding the devastation in many of the same areas, Hurricane Milton made landfall on Florida’s west coast on October 9, 2024, as a Category 3 storm.

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What is the latest update on Hurricane Helene?

As of February 2025, recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene are ongoing. While many areas have continued to make progress, some of the hardest-hit communities face challenges such as power restoration, infrastructure repairs, and debris removal. Helene is the deadliest hurricane to hit the mainland U.S. since Maria in 2017. About half the victims were in North Carolina, while dozens more perished in Georgia and South Carolina. The storm caused massive power outages and widespread infrastructure damage.

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How did Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton impact the southeastern U.S. in 2024?

Just weeks apart, Hurricanes Helene and Milton struck the southeastern U.S. in 2024, causing widespread devastation. Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm, made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region on September 26 with 140 mph winds, bringing record-breaking rainfall, severe flooding, and hurricane-force winds across Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and the Carolinas. With at least 227 fatalities, Helene became the deadliest U.S. hurricane since Maria in 2017.

Shortly after, Hurricane Milton struck many of the same areas, compounding the damage with additional flooding and destruction. In response to both disasters, World Vision delivered emergency aid, distributing food, clean water, hygiene kits, and rebuilding materials to affected communities. Recovery efforts continue, with long-term support focused on rebuilding homes and infrastructure.

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How is World Vision helping communities impacted by Hurricane Helene?

World Vision responded quickly to Hurricane Helene’s devastation in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas, partnering with local churches to reach the hardest-hit communities. When Hurricane Milton struck shortly after, our teams quickly expanded their efforts to support even more impacted communities.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors and through our 20 church partnerships, we have served 90,914 people in the affected states of Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas in response to Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. We delivered:

Food aid:

• Over 83,800 pounds of food, including 4,366 Crisis Relief Boxes and 1,100 turkeys for holiday meals.
• 19,248 gallons of clean water.

Christmas support:

• In December 2024, World Vision supported eight holiday events, delivering over 20,000 toys, card games, stuffed animals, books, items of clothing, and other recreational items.

Rebuilding efforts: 

• Partnering with long-term recovery groups to rebuild 150 homes, supplying lumber for framing, drywall and supplies, flooring, doors, bathroom fixtures (including sinks and toilets), kitchen appliances, shingles, and more.

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How can I help people affected by Hurricane Helene and other disasters in the U.S.?

• Pray: Join us in praying for all those impacted by Hurricane Helene and other disasters around the world.
• Give: Your gift will help deliver urgent aid to children and families impacted by this hurricane and other disasters in the U.S.

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Imagine the earth’s crust and outer mantle as an enormous jigsaw puzzle composed of seven big plates and many smaller ones, each uniquely shaped, that fit together along their boundaries. These plates continuously shift over the molten core beneath them, creating friction where they touch and accumulating energy. The pent-up energy is eventually released when the plates push past or get shoved beneath one another, resulting in powerful earthquakes. These seismic events can sometimes trigger tsunamis — large ocean waves with significant impact.

A striking example of this occurred on September 29, 2025, when a 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck approximately 10 miles northeast of Bogo City in Cebu province, Philippines.

As these tectonic plates shift, the earth’s landscape is altered as well, giving rise to awe-inspiring natural wonders — towering mountains and fiery volcanoes — all the while sculpting new coastlines.

Earthquakes and tsunamis: Facts, FAQs, and how to help

Explore facts and frequently asked questions about earthquakes and tsunamis, and find out how to help people affected by natural disasters.

• Fast facts: Earthquakes and tsunamis
• What is the most recent earthquake in 2025?
• What are the main causes of earthquakes and tsunamis?
• What are hazards linked to earthquakes?
• What are tsunamis and where do they come from?
• Are tsunamis the same as tidal waves?
• How can I prepare for an earthquake?
• What should I do in an earthquake to stay safe?
• What is World Vision’s response to earthquake and tsunami survivors?
• How can I help people affected by earthquakes and tsunamis?
• Timeline: Earthquake and tsunami studies

Fast facts: Earthquakes and tsunamis

• Every year, Earth experiences approximately 500,000 earthquakes, about 100,000 of them being perceptible and around 100 causing damage. Major earthquakes, measuring a magnitude of 7 or higher, occur somewhere on earth roughly once a month.
• A magnitude 9.5 earthquake in Chile on May 22, 1960, is the most powerful earthquake in recorded history.
• The largest-known quake in the United States struck Prince William Sound, Alaska, on March 28, 1964, and measured magnitude 9.2.
• The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, triggered by a magnitude 9.1 earthquake near Sumatra, caused widespread destruction, claimed the lives of approximately 230,000 people, and left millions displaced or affected.
• Tsunamis also can be caused by volcanic eruptions, underwater landslides, or even asteroid impacts.
• The Pacific Ocean’s “Ring of Fire” is a major hotspot for earthquake and tsunami activity due to the high concentration of tectonic plate boundaries.
• Tsunamis can travel across entire ocean basins, reaching distant coastlines with devastating force.

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What is the most recent earthquake in 2025?

A 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck Cebu in the central Philippines on Tuesday night, shaking homes, cutting power, and prompting coastal evacuations.

“My children were already asleep when the earthquake struck. I woke them up for us to go outside and get them to safety. I was starting to feel nervous because the tremor was taking longer than I expected, and some of our belongings at home were crashing to the floor,”
said Mike Manatad, World Vision’s program officer in Cebu, Philippines.

World Vision’s Operations Manager Bonifacio Calapan in Visayas, Philippines, said: “Our area program in North Cebu is heavily impacted. Almost 80% of our staff in Visayas have confirmed they are safe, though some remain unaccounted for due to power outages. We are actively monitoring the situation of the children and their families in the area.”

Classes have been suspended across Cebu and nearby provinces as assessments and aftershocks continue.

Elsewhere:

• July 27, 2025, an 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the eastern coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula. The quake, one of the strongest ever recorded in the region, caused widespread shaking, raised tsunami alerts across the Pacific, and highlighted the immense destructive power stored beneath the earth’s surface.
• Just months earlier, on March 28, 2025, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, toppling buildings and bridges, and affecting thousands of lives.

What are the main causes of earthquakes and tsunamis?

Earthquakes can cause tsunamis, but tsunamis can have different causes as well. Earthquakes happen because the earth’s outer layer is made up of big pieces called tectonic plates that are always moving. When these plates press against each other, they create a lot of potential energy. Sometimes, this energy is quickly released as the plates suddenly grind past or under each other, causing the ground to shake — which we call an earthquake. Scientists gauge earthquake magnitude by analyzing ground movement data from a global network of seismic stations.

Tsunamis, on the other hand, are triggered by either undersea earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. When an earthquake happens under the ocean, it can move the water above it and create big waves that travel thousands of miles across the ocean floor. These waves are called tsunamis.

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What are the hazards linked to earthquakes?

Strong earthquakes can be extremely dangerous. The earth’s shaking may cause landslides or even rupture the ground surface. When saturated loose soils lose their stiffness and form, liquefaction occurs, and the ground collapses like a liquid. In a one-two punch, a tsunami may follow an undersea earthquake, bringing massive destruction to coastal zones.

Most earthquake deaths are due to structural failures of buildings. The 2010 Haiti earthquake, for example, struck hardest in the capital, Port-au-Prince, where poorly constructed buildings collapsed. The disaster claimed an estimated 250,000 lives and left 1.5 million people homeless.

Secondary effects of earthquakes can include infrastructure collapse, fires, and disease. After the Haiti quake, a cholera outbreak spread quickly through the camps where people lived for many months. The 1906 San Francisco earthquake triggered a secondary hazard: fires ignited by ruptured gas mains burned for three days and destroyed about 500 city blocks. In more recent disasters, downed power lines caused fires.

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What are tsunamis and where do they come from?

Tsunamis are giant waves caused by sudden shifts in the seafloor, often due to earthquakes or underwater volcanic activity. These immense waves can travel as fast as a jet plane, reaching speeds of up to 500 miles per hour, especially across the open ocean.

As tsunamis approach land, they gradually slow down and their height increases dramatically. For example, the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the 2011 Japan tsunami waves exceeded 100 feet in height as they reached the shoreline.

Tsunamis occur most frequently in the “Ring of Fire,” a horseshoe-shaped belt in the Pacific Ocean known for its frequent volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.

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Are tsunamis the same as tidal waves?

Tsunamis and tidal waves are distinct phenomena despite both being sea waves. Tidal waves are simply part of the tides caused by the gravitational pull of the sun and moon on Earth — occurring daily on the seashore — and are generally less than a dozen feet tall, moving at up to 20 miles per hour. Tsunamis are not influenced by tides, can move at 500 miles per hour, and can surge onto shore nearly 100 feet high.

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How can I prepare for an earthquake?

When it comes to earthquake preparedness, taking proactive measures is crucial. The U.S. Geological Service advises individuals to equip their households with essentials for self-sufficiency, especially in the event of aftershocks lasting a week or longer.

Here’s a checklist to consider stockpiling:

• Fire extinguisher
• Dried and packaged food for multiple days
• One gallon of water per family member per day; consider bleach or purification tablets for water treatment
• First-aid kit and necessary medications
• Tools to shut off gas and water lines
• Camp stove or barbecue and cooking fuel
• Flashlight, along with extra batteries and bulbs
• Sturdy plastic bags for waste disposal

To prepare for the unexpected, participate in International ShakeOut Day, held on the third Thursday of October.

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What should I do in an earthquake to stay safe?

In the event of an earthquake, federal, state, and local officials all agree on the best safety measures: drop onto your hands and knees, cover your head and neck, and hold on until the shaking stops. They do not recommend standing in a doorway or trying to run outside. If you’re close to a sturdy table or desk, consider crawling underneath it for shelter.

If you or a loved one has a disability that prevents dropping to the ground, the Earthquake Country Alliance has resources to help address specific needs.

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What is World Vision’s response to earthquake and tsunami survivors?

In the aftermath of earthquakes and tsunamis, World Vision takes swift action, delivering vital aid and support to those affected. Our mission extends beyond immediate relief — we’re dedicated to help alleviate suffering, restore hope, and empower communities to rebuild their lives and livelihoods after these devastating events. Here are some ways we respond:

• Emergency aid: We deliver life-saving supplies such as food, access to clean water, blankets, and essential hygiene items to affected communities. These supplies are crucial for survival in the immediate aftermath of a disaster.
• Shelters: World Vision helps set up temporary shelters and provides materials for rebuilding communities destroyed or damaged by earthquakes and tsunamis. This allows families to regain a sense of stability and security.
• Child-Friendly Spaces: We establish safe spaces for children in disaster-affected areas, giving them a secure place to play and learn, while helping them cope with the challenges they’ve experienced.
• Education and psychosocial support: We offer children in emergencies quality education, temporary learning spaces, and school supplies. Also, we provide psychosocial support to help children and their families through their difficulties.
• Livelihood support: We equip communities with vocational training, tools, and resources to help families recover economically. This helps restore a sense of normalcy and self-sufficiency.
• Disaster preparedness and risk reduction: We collaborate with communities to build resilience and preparedness for future disasters. This includes training them in disaster risk reduction strategies, early warning systems, and emergency response planning.
• Long-term recovery and rehabilitation: Remaining engaged in disaster-affected areas for the long term, we support affected communities in their recovery journey. This involves sustainable development projects to rebuild infrastructure, improve healthcare and education, and enhance community resilience.

Read insights from World Vision’s global director for humanitarian operations: “5 essential lessons we’ve learned responding to earthquakes.”

Major earthquakes prompting World Vision’s response

Here are some notable events where World Vision provided crucial aid to survivors:

• 2001 Bhuj, Gujarat, India earthquake: Magnitude 7.9, loss of 20,000 lives
• 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami: Magnitude 9.1, loss of 230,000 lives
• 2005 Kashmir earthquake: Magnitude 7.6, loss of 73,000 lives
• 2010 Haiti earthquake: Magnitude 7.0, loss of at least 250,000 lives
• 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami: Magnitude 9.0, loss of 20,000 lives
• 2015 Nepal earthquake: Magnitude 7.8, loss of 9,000 lives
• 2016 Ecuador earthquake: Magnitude 7.8, loss of 700 lives
• 2017 Mexico earthquakes: Magnitudes 8.1 and 7.1, loss of at least 225 lives
• 2018 Indonesia earthquakes and tsunami: Magnitudes 6.9 and 7.5, loss of at least 2,000 lives
• 2021 Haiti earthquake: Magnitude 7.2, loss of 2,000 lives
• 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquake: Magnitude 7.8, loss of 55,000 lives
• 2023 Afghanistan earthquakes: Magnitude 6.3, loss of 2,000 lives
• 2025 Myanmar earthquake: Magnitude 7.7, loss of over 3,600 lives
• 2025 Afghanistan earthquake: Magnitude 6, loss of over 1,400 lives

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How can I help vulnerable people affected by earthquakes and tsunamis?

• Pray: Join us in praying for all those affected by earthquakes and other disasters.
• Give: Your gift will help vulnerable children and families in the aftermath of earthquakes and disasters.

BACK TO QUESTIONS

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The intensification of the war in Ukraine since February 24, 2022, has deeply affected a generation of the country’s population: its children. Many have lost family members and loved ones, been injured, or faced drastic disruptions to their lives. Forced to leave their homes and communities, unable to attend school, and living in unsafe environments, children continue to experience challenges no one should have to face. Their needs are expected to become even more pressing with the continuation of harsh conditions, as over 2,400 children have been killed or injured since the escalation, averaging 16 child causalities per week.

Ukraine crisis: Facts, FAQs, and how to help

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the war in Ukraine, and learn how to help children and their families.

• Fast facts: Ukraine crisis 
• What is the current situation in Ukraine?
• How many people are affected by the war in Ukraine?
• What are the widespread impacts of the crisis in Ukraine?
• How are children being impacted by the war in Ukraine?
• What’s World Vision doing to help people affected by the war in Ukraine?
• How many people has World Vision helped since the start of the war in Ukraine?
• How can I help people impacted by the crisis in Ukraine?

Fast facts: Ukraine crisis

• The conflict in Ukraine has displaced over 3.5 million people within the country and forced over 6.8 million to leave the country as of January 2025.
• The need for humanitarian assistance will remain substantial in 2025, with an estimated 12.7 million requiring humanitarian aid and protection, according to the U.N. Refugee Agency (UNHCR).
• The war has sparked economic shocks and disruption with global ramifications, impacting people in poverty and contributing to an escalating global hunger crisis.
• Children are among the most affected: As of early 2023, 5.3 million children were facing educational barriers, with 3.6 million impacted by school closures. And within months of the start of the conflict 1.5 million were at risk of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
• In response to the war, World Vision has reached over 2.26 million people in Ukraine, Romania, Moldova, and Georgia with lifesaving aid, shelter, child protection programs, and other essentials as of November 2024.

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What is the current situation in Ukraine?

The situation in Ukraine remains dire due to ongoing hostilities since February 2022, resulting in widespread displacement and increased humanitarian needs, especially during the winter months.

War-affected areas face severe food security challenges as continued air strikes and bombings have caused extensive damage. Millions of people are living in damaged buildings without basic necessities like electricity, water, or heat. Access to essential services such as food, healthcare, education, and protection remains a daily struggle for many.

“We heavily rely on humanitarian aid now. I’m displaced — again. I had to leave my home in Donetsk Oblast when life there became unbearable. For two years, we lived without light, water, or heating. We were not living — we were just surviving,” said Iryna, 64.

The ongoing attacks on energy infrastructure across Ukraine have left many without power, heating, and water as the country prepares for winter, with temperatures expected to drop below zero degrees.

“I came to Zaporizhzhia, which is now just 35 kilometers from the frontlines. It’s a city crowded with displaced families like mine, who’ve fled the fighting. I’m a pensioner, and my allowance isn’t enough to cover basic food costs, let alone anything else. This winter terrifies me. I’m scared of being left without heat again, of freezing, of not being able to cook or afford food and medicine. I don’t know how I’ll make it through.”

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How many people are affected by the war in Ukraine?

According to the United Nations (U.N.), 12.7 million people will need humanitarian aid and protection in 2025. In addition to the approximately 6.8 million refugees living outside Ukraine, millions more are still displaced within the besieged nation.

“When the entire building shakes from a rocket that has just destroyed several houses in your neighborhood, and you have no heat, no water, no gas  —  you’re sitting in the dark, sometimes with no contact with the outside world because there’s no connection — you pray once again just to survive the day, hoping to see your loved ones one more time,” said Svitlana, 61, from Marinka, Donetsk oblast.

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What are the widespread impacts of the crisis in Ukraine?

One of the bloodiest conflicts in Europe since World War II, this war has devastated the lives of Ukrainian children and families but has also caused economic disruptions that impact people living in poverty far beyond Eastern Europe. The crisis continues to pose a threat to regional stability and has significantly increased humanitarian needs, particularly during the winter months amid non-stop destruction.

U.N. agencies have observed a dramatic increase in global hunger, which was already on the rise, as conflict has complicated the delivery of crucial food exports from Ukraine.

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How are children being impacted by the war in Ukraine?

The war in Ukraine has had a devastating impact on children, with over 2,400 killed or injured since the conflict escalated in February 2022, an average of 16 child casualties every week, according to UNICEF.

Millions of children are caught in relentless hostilities, displacement, and shortages of essential resources like water, electricity, and healthcare. In areas directly affected by armed violence, nearly 3 million people urgently need access to warmth, clean water, and medical care. At the same time, widespread attacks have damaged schools, hospitals, and vital infrastructure, deepening the crisis.

Children continue to endure immense psychological trauma, often spending hours in basements during air raid sirens, while 1.7 million lack access to safe water, and 3.4 million are without proper sanitation, increasing their risk of disease.

“I woke up hearing the bombs dropped in our small village located near Borodyanka,” said Nina, who with her two sisters, endured shelling in northwest Kyiv, one of the first areas to be hit by airstrikes in late February 2022. Bombings forced the local school to shutter. The family, terrified of the fighting, stayed inside their home for one month. “It was a terrible time. During my visit with our next-door neighbors, we were all crying,” added Oksana, Nina’s sister.

World Vision’s programming through a local partner helped support children like Nina and her sisters with ongoing psychosocial care in Borodyanka.

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What’s World Vision doing to help people affected by the war in Ukraine?

Since the onset of the conflict, World Vision has consistently delivered lifesaving aid, shelter, child protection services, and other essentials to support the most vulnerable people. We are bringing our global expertise and local partnerships to respond to the war in Ukraine and throughout impacted regions.

Operating across every administrative region, known as oblasts, in Ukraine, World Vision collaborates with trusted local and international partners — including the WFP and UNICEF — to assist communities affected by the war. We’ve also implemented a cash assistance program managed by partners in Ukraine, Romania, Moldova, and Georgia.

In response to the harsh winter, we launched a comprehensive five-month winterization program, running from November 2024 through March 2025. This includes:

• Cash assistance: Offering financial support to displaced communities affected by the conflict by helping them cover heating costs; purchase winter clothing, firewood, and coal; and pay utility bills.
• Essential supplies: In partnership with local organizations, we’re distributing generators, heaters, and power banks to families and shelters in frontline areas.
• Winterization kits: These kits, containing thermal blankets, hygiene items, portable gas stoves, and gas cylinders, help families endure the freezing temperatures.

Our efforts seek to provide immediate relief and enhance resilience for those most vulnerable to the challenges of winter.

Alongside immediate relief, we are also focused on long-term support through educational programs for children and adults, psychosocial and child protection services, livelihood support, and more, aiding communities build resilience and recover from crisis.

“This winterization kit is crucial for families living close to the frontlines. These communities are hanging by a thread — with shattered windows, half-destroyed buildings, and entire neighborhoods in ruins. On top of that, energy plants are being targeted, leaving families without gas, heating, or water. Power outages are constant, making it nearly impossible to stay warm, boil water, or prepare food,” said Yurii Bezkorovainyi, director of Will Help Together, World Vision’s partner in Ukraine responsible for distributing the kits in frontline areas.

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How many people has World Vision helped since the start of the war in Ukraine?

We’ve been responding since the first week of the crisis. As of 2025, our staff have provided essentials for approximately 2.26 million people across the region. Here are some highlights:

• In Ukraine, our efforts have supported over 1,35 million people, nearly half of whom are children.
• In Romania, we’ve assisted more than 351,700 people with aid, including food, shelter, protection resources, and education and hygiene kits.
• In Moldova, over 510,320 people have been reached through our programming. We continue to support Moldovan families hosting refugees in 17 districts through our partnership with WFP.
• In Georgia, we’ve helped support over 39,600 people with education, child protection, and programming, including vouchers for food, hygiene, clothing, and pharmacy costs.

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How can I help people impacted by the crisis in Ukraine?

• Pray: Join us in praying for the most vulnerable communities affected by the war in Ukraine.
• Give: Become a vital partner in World Vision’s work to deliver help and hope to refugees and displaced children and families.

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Imagine having only minutes to decide what to take and what to leave behind. Your home, your school, your community — lost in an instant. For millions, this isn’t just a worst-case scenario; it’s reality.

Emergencies rarely come with a warning. They strike fast — with the roar of wildfire, the jolt of an earthquake, or the silence that follows lost communication. Whether it’s a natural disaster, a power outage, or a humanitarian crisis, having a plan ready can mean the difference between chaos and calm.

Emergency preparedness isn’t about fear. It’s about responsibility, not just for ourselves but also for our loved ones, our neighbors, and our most vulnerable community members. We’ve seen firsthand how small steps taken before a disaster can save lives and bring hope back.

Proverbs 27:12 tells us, “The prudent see danger and take refuge.” As people of faith, we prepare not out of fear, but out of love for our families, for our neighbors, and for those God calls us to serve.

To prepare for an emergency, you’ll need to make a plan for your household, build an emergency supply kit with food and water, and stay informed about risks in your area. You’ll also need to store important documents, medications, and contact info, and you’ll want to practice your plan regularly and keep your kit updated. Preparation can save lives and reduce panic.

Emergency preparedness guide

Let’s walk through, step-by-step, on how to prepare for a disaster or emergency so you can be ready, equipped, and empowered. In this guide, you’ll discover:

• Why emergency preparedness matters
• How to create an emergency plan and supply kit
• Make a spiritual readiness plan
• Ready to respond: How World Vision helps during emergencies

Why emergency preparedness matters

Disasters come in many forms: hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, wildfires, armed conflict, pandemics, and more. Emergencies can unfold without warning, leaving little time to act.

Preparedness saves lives and reduces suffering. Children, the elderly, and people with disabilities are especially at-risk during emergencies. Having a plan helps protect the most vulnerable. Proverbs 27:12 reminds us: “The wise see danger and take cover.”

A frequent sentiment after a disaster is wishing one had done things differently or been more prepared.

“I wish before the hurricane, I had known not to underestimate the power of the floodwaters and the storm,” said Mateo Magana (pictured above) of Swannanoa, North Carolina.

On September 26, 2024, Hurricane Helene — a catastrophic Category 4 storm — roared ashore in Florida and devastated North Carolina. It destroyed Mateo’s home, where he lives with his grandparents.

“If I could go back, I would definitely have a bag ready and packed,” he said.

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How to create an emergency plan and supply kit

Being prepared and self-sufficient is crucial, as disasters in the U.S. can overwhelm emergency services. It’s essential for households to be able to sustain themselves for at least 72 hours.

This three-day standard, recommended by FEMA and the American Red Cross, aligns with global best practices, emphasizing the importance of readiness regardless of where a disaster occurs.

In Europe, the European Union has recently adopted a similar strategy. In March 2025, the EU urged its 450 million citizens to stockpile essential supplies to last at least 72 hours. This recommendation is part of the EU’s Preparedness Union Strategy, which aims to enhance resilience against emerging threats such as extreme weather, cyberattacks, and geopolitical tensions.

Mike Bassett, World Vision’s U.S. Programs emergency response manager, has responded to U.S. disasters for nearly 10 years — from the devastation of Hurricane Harvey in 2017 to the Central Texas flooding in July 2025.

“When a family is prepared for disaster, they are protecting the most important thing, the lives and safety of their family,” he explains. “I have heard numerous times from survivors of a disaster say, ‘I am just thankful we are safe; things can be replaced, lives can’t.’”

Here are the steps you can take to make your emergency plan and supply kit.

1. Know your risks

• Learn what disasters are most likely in your area.
• Sign up for local emergency alerts and weather apps.
• Prepare for specific threats like earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, or fires.

2. Create a household emergency plan

• Select two designations to meet in case not everyone is home when the disaster occurs: a nearby location near your home, one outside your neighborhood. List contact numbers and create a phone tree.
  • Keep printed contact cards in wallets, backpacks, and vehicles.
  • Save contacts on all family devices and back them up in cloud storage.
  • Choose an out-of-area contact to help relay messages.
• Decide how you’ll communicate if phones go down.
  • Use walkie-talkies for short-range family communication
  • Keep a better-powered radio with extra batteries to receive emergency updates
  • Install the FEMA and Red Cross apps for alerts that may still reach you even if your network is busy.
• Plan for evacuation routes and shelter options.

3. Build an emergency kit

• Tailor your kit for your household’s needs and store it in a grab-and-go backpack or waterproof container.
• Use this checklist for basic supplies to build a survival kit for each member of your household:

• • 1 gallon of water per person, per day (3-day minimum)
  • Non-perishable food (3-day minimum supply, per person)
  • Manual can opener
  • First aid kit (basic items):
    • Adhesive bandages (various sizes)
    • Sterile gauze pads and adhesive tape
    • Antiseptic wipes or solution
    • Tweezers and travel-sized scissors
    • Pain relievers (acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
    • Allergy medication (antihistamines)
    • Gloves (disposable)
    • Any personal prescription medications
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Copies of IDs, insurance policies, and medical records
  • Personal hygiene items (toilet paper, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste)
  • Extra clothes and sturdy shoes (suitable for walking over rubble or flooded areas)
  • Emergency shelter:
    • Blankets or sleeping bags (pack separately, if needed, near go bag)
    • Tent or tarp for emergency shelter
    • Rain ponchos or waterproof covering
  • Paper maps of your local area
  • Cell phone charger and power bank
  • Whistle to signal for help
  • Cash in small bills
  • For special consideration:
    • Supplies for pets, babies, and elderly family members.
    • Extra items for medical, dietary, or mobility needs.

4. Stay informed

• Monitor local news and emergency broadcasts.
• Follow trusted sources and authorities. For example:
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) – U.S. disaster alerts and preparedness guidance
  • American Red Cross – Shelter information, disaster updates, and relief resources
  • National Weather Service (NWS) – Weather alerts, warnings, and forecasts
  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) – Severe weather and natural disaster monitoring
  • Local government emergency management offices – City or county-specific alerts and instructions

5. Practice your plan

• Run regular emergency drills with all family members at least twice a year. Adjust and update contact information and locations, if needed.
• Make it family-friendly and age-appropriate so children are not unnecessarily scared, while still learning what to do in an emergency.
• Review and update your plan yearly. Make sure everyone in the family is informed and can articulate what the plan is.

*Sources adapted from the U.S. government resources, including Ready.gov, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

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Make a spiritual readiness plan

In moments of fear or panic, God’s word brings peace, so it can be wise to also create a spiritual readiness kit into your regular emergency kit.  We encourage families to prepare holistically, combining physical safety with spiritual resilience. Being ready is an act of faith and love. God calls us to care for one another, especially in times of trouble. Jesus said, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:31)

Bring faith into your emergency readiness:

• Include scripture cards featuring verses of comfort, a children’s Bible, and a prayer guide in your emergency kit. Verses of comfort can include:

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble – Psalm 46:1 

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. – John 14:27

• Pray as a family during emergency drills.
• Encourage your church or ministry to develop a disaster response plan, so it may assist community members in the event of a disaster.
• Check in on vulnerable neighbors during storms or evacuations.

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Ready to respond: How World Vision helps during emergencies

At World Vision, we believe preparation is an act of love. We help families before, during, and after disasters to stay safe, recover faster, and hold onto hope. Isabel Gomes oversees World Vision’s emergency responses worldwide — from conflicts and refugee movements to devastating natural disasters. With decades of experience, she knows what it takes to reach vulnerable communities quickly and effectively.

“I’ve seen firsthand how preparedness changes everything. In the chaos of an emergency, it’s the difference between despair and survival,” Gomes said. “What makes our humanitarian responses truly powerful is our local teams — they know the communities, they understand the needs, and they’re often the first to act. We prepare not just with supplies, but with compassion and trust — because every life we reach matters deeply.”

For World Vision, responding immediately has been a daily reality — a commitment rooted throughout the history of our work, and continues to guide us. Scripture calls us to welcome the stranger, to stand with the displaced, to love our neighbors as ourselves. World Vision is often among the first to respond when disaster strikes. In 2024 alone, we responded to 87 disasters and humanitarian crises across 65 countries, supporting over 35 million people in emergencies.

Here’s how we help:

• Respond within 24 to 72 hours with emergency relief supplies
• Distribute food, clean water, hygiene kits, and shelter
• Provide child protection services and trauma counseling
• Support long-term recovery and community rebuilding

Thanks to decades of experience, World Vision is uniquely positioned to respond swiftly and compassionately — delivering hope when it’s most needed.

Learn more about our disaster relief work.

You can help by taking the next step with us:

• Pray for impacted families worldwide
• Give now to help people affected by disasters.

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Children and families in Afghanistan are facing a deepening humanitarian crisis due to decades of conflict, chronic poverty, and recurring natural disasters, including severe flooding and powerful earthquakes — the deadliest in recent years. These events underscore the enduring hardships in Afghanistan against a backdrop of widespread hunger, a collapsing health system, devastation to schools, and the destruction of family livelihoods.

Afghanistan crisis: Facts, FAQs, and how to help

Explore facts about Afghanistan and frequently asked questions about the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, and learn how to help Afghan children and their families.

• Fast facts: Afghanistan crisis
• What’s the latest on the recent earthquake in Afghanistan?
• What’s the current humanitarian situation in Afghanistan?
• What are the reasons behind Afghanistan’s hunger crisis?
• In what ways are Afghan children impacted by the crisis?
• How is the crisis impacting Afghan girls and women specifically?
• Where is World Vision working in Afghanistan?
• How many people has World Vision supported in Afghanistan?
• How can I help Afghan children and their families?

Fast facts: Afghanistan crisis

• Afghanistan is currently facing one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world, worsened by two devastating earthquake events in 2022 and 2023.
• The landlocked country has been entangled in conflict, drought, extreme poverty, and natural disasters.
• The October 2023 earthquakes, including the 6.3 magnitude quake, caused 2,000 deaths and left over 4,000 people injured and 1,400 people displaced in Herat Province in western Afghanistan.
• More than half of Afghanistan’s population, approximately 23.7 million people, is expected to need humanitarian assistance in 2024, as reported by UNHCR.
• According to the World Food Programme (WFP), 12.4 million Afghans face acute food insecurity, with 1 in 4 unsure of where their next meal will come from.
• The WFP reports that acute malnutrition rates are exceeding emergency thresholds in 25 out of 34 Afghan provinces, with nearly half of children under 5 and a quarter of pregnant and breastfeeding women needing urgent nutrition support in the next 12 months.
• Heavy rainfall and flash floods struck northeastern Afghanistan in early May 2024, impacting 21 districts across Badakhshan, Baghlan, and Takhar provinces. The devastation claimed the lives of an estimated 180 people and injured 280.

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What’s the latest on the recent earthquake in Afghanistan?

On August 31, 2025, a 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck the province of Kunar, near the city of Jalalabad in neighboring Nangarhar Province, further devastating communities already facing years of conflict, hunger, and previous disasters. Early reports indicate that the quake caused significant damage to homes and infrastructure, with casualties and injuries still being assessed. The death toll has surpassed 1,400.

This quake follows a series of deadly earthquakes in 2022 and 2023, including the October 2023 6.3 magnitude quake that killed 2,000 people in Herat Province. Earthquakes of this scale highlight Afghanistan’s vulnerability to natural disasters and the urgent need for humanitarian support.

World Vision is responding by working with local partners to provide emergency assistance, including food, water, shelter, and child protection services.

“We are greatly saddened by the news of today’s earthquake and the apparent loss of hundreds of lives. We lived through the 2023 Herat Earthquake, and the effects are still being felt today. We know that the most at-risk people, the people who will pay the highest price, will include children and their families, so World Vision will bring our experience and resources to bear upon this new crisis with the steadfast support of our World Vision partnership,” said Thamindri De Silva, National Director for World Vision in Afghanistan.

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What’s the current humanitarian situation in Afghanistan?

The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan remains dire, with widespread poverty affecting 48% of the population. Natural disasters and economic instability have exacerbated the country’s vulnerabilities. Millions of Afghans face acute malnutrition and starvation, as the struggling economy fails to support basic necessities.

Women and girls are particularly impacted, facing restrictions on education and employment, which has led to increased child marriage, adolescent childbearing, and mental health issues.

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What are the reasons behind Afghanistan’s hunger crisis?

The hunger crisis in Afghanistan is driven by a combination of factors including economic collapse, ongoing conflict, natural disasters, and displacement. Decades of conflict have disrupted agricultural production and displaced millions of people, while natural disasters like droughts and floods have further reduced food availability. Rising food prices and poor access to humanitarian aid have worsened the situation, leaving millions, especially children and vulnerable communities, facing severe hunger and malnutrition.

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In what ways are Afghan children impacted by the crisis?

World Vision cares deeply about the needs and rights of children in Afghanistan, and we’re very concerned about their situation. Today, 12.3 million children need lifesaving aid in Afghanistan, according to the U.N. Children’s Fund (UNICEF). And 41% of Afghan children suffer from stunting — being small for their age — a common and largely irreversible effect of malnutrition. This places Afghanistan among the countries with the highest rates of malnutrition for children under 5. Drought and displacement caused by recent conflict have made conditions worse.

Without peace and humanitarian access, Afghanistan’s children are at significant risk of violence, neglect, abuse, exploitation, starvation, and worsening malnutrition. Situations like child marriage, child labor, family separation, and mass displacements — as families leave in search of food — are all likely to worsen. Already, parents in the most desperate situations are making the unimaginable decision to sell one daughter for dowry money so they can buy food for all their children.

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How is the humanitarian crisis affecting Afghan girls and women specifically?

Restrictions on education and employment for women and girls have led to increased rates of child marriage, adolescent childbearing, and mental health issues. The lack of opportunities and rights for women significantly contributes to the overall humanitarian crisis.

World Vision is also deeply concerned by the limitations placed on girls’ and women’s access to education. Education is a fundamental right, including for adolescent girls and women. World Vision calls on the international community to make girls’ and women’s access to education a key priority in their engagement in Afghanistan. The safety and well-being of our staff and the people we serve are our priority.

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Where is World Vision working in Afghanistan?

In addition to the earthquake-devastated communities in Herat, we’re also serving children and families in the northwestern provinces of Badghis, Faryab, and Ghor — over 4,184 villages combined. Through our long-standing partnership with local community leaders in Afghanistan for many years, we’ve been able to respond to crises and equip these communities to create positive, sustainable change.

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How many people has World Vision supported in Afghanistan?

World Vision has supported millions of people with lifesaving aid across Afghanistan. Our efforts delivered food, cash, and livelihood assistance, ensured access to clean water and hygiene services, supported education, and extended vital protection programs. Working in 34 districts and more than 3,200 villages across Herat, Badghis, Ghor, Faryab, and Nangahar provinces, we delivered critical assistance to over 1.2 million people, nearly half of them children, in 2024.

These achievements were made possible through the generosity of our donors and the unwavering dedication of our staff. Together, we have positively impacted the lives of Afghan children, their families, and their communities, offering hope and support in challenging times.

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How can I help Afghan children and their families?

• Raise your voice: Join us in calling on Congress to help vulnerable, displaced Afghan families with basic needs and services through organizations committed to staying in Afghanistan — like World Vision.
• Give: World Vision is committed to serving the people of Afghanistan for the long term. Your gift will help deliver essential aid to vulnerable children and families.

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