As northeastern Afghanistan grapples with the aftermath of devastating floods caused by unusually heavy rains, UNICEF and other aid agencies are rushing to provide relief and essential humanitarian aid to those affected. The catastrophic floods have claimed the lives of at least 300 people, leaving many injured and causing extensive damage to homes and farmland.
By Lisa Zengarini
Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds
The heart-wrenching scenes in Baghlan province, where approximately 3,000 homes were destroyed by the floods, paint a stark picture of the devastation. Save the Children estimates that around 600,000 people, half of them children, are currently residing in the affected districts in Baghlan. The provinces of Takhar and Badakhshan have also witnessed significant damage, with initial reports indicating at least 300 houses have been damaged.
In a plea for assistance, the Taliban’s economy minister, Din Mohammad Hanif, urged the United Nations, humanitarian organizations, and private businesses to come forward and support the victims of this disaster.
Arshad Malik, country director for Save the Children, highlighted the urgent need for aid to help families already struggling from the impacts of a prolonged drought. “The flash floods have devastated villages, leaving children with nothing,” he lamented.
Aid and Support
International aid organizations like UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), and Save the Children have mobilized to provide relief teams, essential supplies, and medical assistance to the affected regions. WHO has distributed 7 tons of medicines and emergency kits, while UNICEF has dispatched family kits, blankets, and hygiene kits to assist those in need. Additionally, UNICEF has deployed a mobile health and nutrition team to conduct further assessments on the ground.
Dr. Tajudeen Oyewale, the UNICEF Representative in Afghanistan, emphasized the crucial need for continued access to safe water, health services, and protection for the affected children and families. As the people of Afghanistan navigate this challenging period, UNICEF pledges unwavering support during this difficult time.
Climate Change and Vulnerability
Afghanistan’s vulnerability to natural disasters and the impacts of climate change are well-documented. The country has struggled with funding shortages following the withdrawal of foreign forces in 2021, exacerbating the challenges faced by communities in the aftermath of disasters like the recent floods. The dire situation has only been compounded by global crises and the ongoing concerns surrounding the Taliban’s policies.
Source: UNICEF and news agencies
