In the wake of devastating floods that have ravaged Afghanistan in recent weeks, the European Union (EU) has announced an allocation of €200,000 (over AFN 15.5mn) to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to affected families. The aid is set to benefit approximately 28,000 individuals in some of the worst-hit provinces, particularly in the western, northern, and eastern regions of the country.
This funding forms part of the EU's broader contribution to the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) managed by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). It is a direct response to an Emergency Appeal from the IFRC aimed at financing critical interventions in the flood-affected areas.
The emergency response efforts encompass a range of support measures, including the provision of healthcare services, shelter items, dignity kits, and essential household supplies such as blankets, jerricans, tarpaulins, and kitchen sets. Additionally, multipurpose cash grants will be disbursed to ensure that affected families can meet their daily basic needs during this challenging period.
This latest contribution supplements a previous aid package of €400,000, which was directed towards flood relief earlier this month. Since the onset of heavy rainfall on May 10, northern and northeastern Afghanistan has borne the brunt of widespread floods and mudslides, resulting in tragic loss of life and extensive damage to infrastructure. Reports from the United Nations and other sources estimate that over 300 people have lost their lives, with thousands more displaced and in urgent need of assistance.
The scope of the floods is vast, with 24 out of Afghanistan's 34 provinces affected by the deluge. The humanitarian situation remains dire as families grapple with the aftermath of the disaster, underscoring the critical importance of international support in providing relief and aiding recovery efforts.
The EU's commitment to humanitarian assistance reflects its status as the world's leading donor in this field, emphasizing solidarity with those in need across the globe. Through its Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations department, the EU works tirelessly to save lives, alleviate suffering, and uphold human dignity in the face of natural disasters and man-made crises.
Established in 1979, the Disaster Response Emergency Fund operates through contributions from donors to provide immediate financial support to the National Red Cross or Red Crescent Societies in times of crisis. A delegation agreement between the IFRC and the EU enables the latter to replenish the IFRC-DREF, facilitating swift and effective responses to humanitarian emergencies within the EU's mandate, with a total allocation of €8mn earmarked for 2024.
Follow Daryo's official Instagram and Twitter pages to keep current on world news.
Comments (0)