KABUL (SW) – Several international aid organizations have once again raised alarms about the high levels of humanitarian needs among Afghan citizens, particularly concerning food aid, while simultaneously highlighting a severe budget shortfall for these efforts in Afghanistan.
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Afghanistan stated that over the next six months, one-quarter of the population in Afghanistan will urgently need food assistance. However, the WFP is facing a budget shortfall of $650 million to provide this aid.
Similarly, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported on Monday that out of 23.7 million people in Afghanistan in need of humanitarian assistance, more than nine million are children.
The OCHA report stated: “23.7 million people, including 9.2 million children in Afghanistan, still require humanitarian aid. This situation has arisen due to food insecurity, malnutrition, land contamination with explosive remnants, recurrent natural disasters, infectious disease outbreaks, and the impacts of climate change.”
In light of these challenges, victims of recent natural disasters, particularly floods in various provinces, shared their plight with Salam Watandar. They reported not only the destruction of their homes but also significant damage to healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and transportation infrastructure.
Sadr, a resident of Dahana-e Ghori district in Baghlan, said, “Public roads, houses, schools, and madrasas have been destroyed, and flood control measures need to be implemented. People whose homes have been destroyed need new housing.”
Sakhidad, from Central Baghlan district, added, “Schools, chairs, and desks are all gone, and our clinic is destroyed. Children are unable to attend school; the flood has ravaged the surroundings of the school. The clinic’s electricity is out; there are no medicines or doctors, and the clinic’s wells are destroyed. Around 700 students are unable to attend their classes.”
Mohammad, a resident of Charsada district in Ghor, also spoke about the challenges posed by the floods, saying, “The devastating floods have destroyed our homes, schools, mosques, orchards, and crops. Currently, our children have no shelter to study; school buildings are destroyed, and there are no tents. Dust and heat are bringing various illnesses to our children.”
Both the WFP and OCHA have called for funding to aid those in need, particularly children, by providing food, temporary shelters for disaster victims, healthcare, education, and other essential services.
In response to this crisis, the European Union announced a humanitarian aid package of €150 million for Afghanistan on Monday. Additionally, Denmark has contributed $7.9 million to the Afghanistan Trust Fund for humanitarian assistance.
