[5] The earthquake's shallow hypocenter, proximity to populated areas and low building quality contributed to its destructive effects.

This zone consists of seismically active thrust and strike-slip faults that have accommodated crustal deformation since the beginning of the formation of the Himalayan orogeny.

[20] An evaluation of damaged homes—of the clay brick type—and seismic effects reported by villagers indicate a maximum Modified Mercalli intensity of VIII–IX (Severe–Violent) around the rupture area.

[28][29] A spokesman for Afghanistan's Disaster Management Ministry said fewer casualties were expected as it occurred during the day, unlike the mainshock which struck at night.

[27] On 22 August, a mb  4.6 aftershock struck at a depth of 35.9 km (22.3 mi), destroying several homes in Ster Giyan.

[37] Seismologist Lucy Jones said the destruction was attributed to the shallow earthquake focus and epicenter in a densely populated, landslide-risk area where buildings made of wood and mud are not earthquake-resistant.

[64] Heavily damaged roads and the 177 km (110 mi) distance to Kabul from the worst affected areas prevented many patients from being transferred.

[73] Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada instructed the Ministry of Disaster Management and governors to "rush to the affected area as soon as possible" and asked the international community for humanitarian assistance.

UNICEF said teams of health and nutrition workers were assigned to work in the districts of Gayan and Barmal, Paktika and Spera, Khost.

[46] Care International established a mobile health station and a team consisting medical professionals to deal with first aid.

[9] With many international aid organizations having fled the country after the previous government was overthrown, rescue efforts were likely to progress at a slower pace.

[39] In Pakistan, trucks were expected to bring medicine, shelters, blankets and other relief goods across the border to Afghanistan on the orders of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the night of 22 June.

[88] Beginning 23 June, a total of 13 trucks carried relief materials including tents, tarpaulin, blankets and medicine for the victims in Afghanistan.

[91] Under the arrangements of the Pak-Afghan Cooperation Forum, two trucks crossed into Afghanistan from Ghulam Khan to deliver food rations.

[92] The Indian Ministry of External Affairs said India stood "in solidarity with the people of Afghanistan" and remained "firmly committed to provide immediate relief assistance".

It dispatched 27 tonnes of emergency relief assistance in two flights, consisting of items including tents, sleeping bags and blankets.

[93][94][95] At the UNSC briefing on the disaster, India expressed condolences and vowed support, but also warned against "any possible diversion of funds and misuse of exemptions from sanctions".

[98] Seiji Kihara, the Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary of Japan, said the Japanese government was planning to coordinate relief efforts.

[107] Two Iranian aircraft arrived at Khost International Airport carrying aid, including food, tents and carpets to be distributed.

[109] The head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society said the organization was ready to provide relief, medical assistance and rescue efforts to the affected parties.

[110] The United Arab Emirates supplied 30 metric tonnes of relief on the instructions of UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

[127] The Taliban repeatedly called for the United States to unfreeze its foreign assets and loosen financial sanctions to ease in the recovery process.

In February 2022, an executive order was released by President Joe Biden to unfreeze half of Afghanistan's US$7 billion in the United States.

[130] On 29 June, United States government officials and the Taliban held talks to discuss the humanitarian and economical crisis.

United States Special Representative Thomas West and officials from the Department of the Treasury attended the talk, which was held at Doha, Qatar.

[131] In August 2022, the Biden administration ruled out the release of frozen funds held by the Afghan Central Bank in the United States.

[132] After a recent terrorism intervention in central Kabul, killing of al Qa’ida leader Ayman al-Zawahiri, earlier talks with the Taliban were abandoned due to international security reasons.

[79] The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees pledged to construct over 2,000 homes for 11,000 affected people residing in temporary camps.

The UN launched a system to swap aid dollars in exchange for the local currency in a response to the failing economy and to avoid Taliban leaders.

[149] Kizilay also worked with the Foreign Ministry of Taiwan to supply "immediate relief to the victims and carry forward the spirit of humanitarian concern".