A 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck the eastern Afghan provinces of Kunar and Nangarhar, near the border with Pakistan, just before midnight on August 31, 2025. The U.S. Mission to Afghanistan, currently operating from Doha, Qatar, issued an alert regarding the incident.
The U.S. Mission advised that any inquiries about U.S. citizens affected by the earthquake should be sent to AfghanistanACS@state.gov.
U.S. citizens are reminded that the Travel Advisory for Afghanistan remains at level 4 (“Do Not Travel”) due to ongoing risks including civil unrest, crime, terrorism, wrongful detention, kidnapping, and limited health facilities. The alert also notes that “U.S. citizens are also reminded that the U.S. Embassy in Kabul suspended operations in 2021 and that the U.S. government’s ability to provide routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Afghanistan is very limited.”
For further details about travel and safety conditions in Afghanistan, individuals are encouraged to review information available on the Country Information Page.
The mission outlined specific actions for safety: avoid damaged areas and do not enter damaged buildings.
For assistance related to consular matters, contact State Department – Consular Affairs at +1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444. Those wishing to receive alerts can enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) or email CASTEP@state.gov for help.
Updates are also available via Facebook and X.