Global assistance for flood survivors pours in

KABUL (Pajhwok): The European Union (EU), World Health Organisation (WHO) and International Organisation for Migration (IOM) have provided aid to flood-affected people in Afghanistan.

The EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Office wrote on X it had delivered 97 tonnes of medical equipment and other vital supplies to the flood-hit Afghans.

It said: “Today, a new flight landed in Kabul, bringing more than 97 tonnes of medical and other vital supplies for 13 humanitarian organisations.”

Meanwhile, WHO said in a statement it had delivered seven metric tonnes of essential medicines, medical supplies and kits to the disaster-affected individuals

It called the shipment part of WHO’s ongoing efforts to assist the country in the aftermath of the devastating floods that hit the northern region on May 10, affecting several districts and isolating many more.

“We extend our condolences to the families of the victims and are joining efforts with the health authorities and partners to maintain access to essential health services in the affected areas,” Acting WHO Representative Dr Jamshed Tanoli said.

IOM also wrote on its X handle that its teams were working tirelessly to deliver emergency aid to those affected by the devastating floods.

The assistance included temporary shelter, essential non-food items and cloths. “We also supply tools that people can use to repair their damaged shelters.”

The United States was deeply saddened by reports that many Afghans lost their lives by flash floods, US Special Representative Thomas wrote on his X handle.

He said: “Our implementing partners are mobilising emergency relief including food, water and other essential materials to communities in gravest need. Our thoughts are with those who’ve lost loved ones.”

Most of the affected areas in Baghlan province are inaccessible by trucks, the World Food Programme said.

WFP had to resort to every alternative to get food to the survivors.

The Ministry of Refugee and Repatriation on Sunday reported at least 315 people had been killed, 1,630 others wounded and 2,600 residential houses destroyed by flash floods in Baghlan.

kk/mud