Winter is Coming for the Afghans

     While the media focus on the one-year anniversary of the US-NATO retreat from Afghanistan, the country's people prepare for the coming winter.

Simultaneous crises in the country have caused some of the worst suffering in recent generations. Disasters have battered the country for more than a year now, with new shocks worsening conditions that were already dire. In late June, an earthquake struck south-East Afghanistan killing more than 1,000 people and destroying or damaging homes of 60,000 households leaving them exposed to the elements. Starting July into August, off-season rains brought floods that washed away livelihoods and aggravated humanitarian needs across more than 20 provinces.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is renewing its call for increased global solidarity with the people of Afghanistan who continue to face immense humanitarian need.

Mawlawi Mutiul Haq Khales, Afghan Red Crescent Acting President, said:

“The past 12 months have been extremely difficult for our people as economic hardship, exacerbated by sanctions-related limitations to access income, piles pressure on millions who were already battling acute food insecurity, poverty, and many other shocks..."

Necephor Mghendi, IFRC’s Head of Delegation for Afghanistan, said:

“The people of Afghanistan cannot be forgotten. This is now one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world, with over 20 million people remaining in need of urgent assistance.”

The IFRC and Afghan Red Crescent are ramping up preparedness for a potentially harsh winter, which will be upon the country in a few months. The greatest concern is high-altitude areas where temperatures are very likely to drop below minus-10 degrees.

Afghanistan: Unending crises driving millions to breaking point - Afghanistan | ReliefWeb