Friday, April 23, 2021

Afghanistan's Drought

 While the Western powers concentrate the media's attention on their supposed military withdrawal from Afghanistan, much less focus is upon the drought that is inflicting much of the country.

13.1 million people are grappling with food shortages

Necephor Mghendi, Head of Delegation for Afghanistan, for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) says:

“This is one of the worst ever droughts in Afghanistan and millions of people are barely surviving. People are walking long distances, as drinking water is running out and crops are failing." She explains, "We have grave fears for more than 18 million people who will need humanitarian support in Afghanistan this year due to this drought-driven food crisis piled on top of the debilitating social and economic impacts of COVID-19 and the long-running conflict. We are appealing for urgent action to help the Afghan people in this hour of extreme need. Millions of people urgently need more food, water and cash assistance to survive..."

Afghan Red Crescent Society Acting President, Dr Nilab Mobarez, said:

“We are deeply concerned about worsening and severe water shortages in many areas, depleted food crops and crippled economic activity, such as decimated local markets and basic incomes."

Afghanistan: 13 million lack food as drought crisis bites - Afghanistan | ReliefWeb

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