Christian Aid has launched an emergency appeal after a powerful earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan on Sunday, killing more than 800 people. Thousands more are now in urgent need of shelter, food and medical care.

The charity has released an initial £50,000 to its local partner, the Organisation for Coordination of Humanitarian Relief (OCHR), which is already working in Kunar Province, one of the worst-affected areas.

Yaqoob Rauf, Christian Aid’s programme manager and acting country manager in Afghanistan, said people have been severely impacted.

"We have been told homes made of mud and wood collapsed as helicopters were sent in to evacuate the injured," he explained. "This is a devastating blow, coming on top of last year’s earthquake in Herat and the continuing dire economic situation.”

The United Nations has described Afghanistan as one of the poorest nations in the world, with decades of conflict, political turmoil and drought leaving nearly half the population dependent on humanitarian assistance. Christian Aid has warned that women and girls remain especially vulnerable in the aftermath of the disaster.

The immediate response will provide essentials such as drinking water, food, blankets, cooking sets, and medical supplies. Christian Aid said it is committed to standing alongside quake-affected communities and supporting their recovery.

Rauf added: “Even before this heartbreaking earthquake, Afghanistan was under immense strain. Christian Aid is working closely with our networks to carry out assessments and to identify the extent of the damage and the risks.”

On Tuesday, the UK announced it'll send £1m in emergency funding to Afghanistan. The assistance will be split between the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the International Red Cross (IFRC) to deliver critical healthcare and emergency supplies to Afghans in the most affected regions, a government statement said.