UN seeks additional funds for flood-hit Afghans

KABUL (Pajhwok): The United Nations has stressed the need for additional funding to support people impacted by floods and protect families living in makeshift shelters.

Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN secretary-general, told a press conference that Afghanistan was highly vulnerable to climate change.

He said: “We along with our partners are coordinating with the de facto authorities in Afghanistan on the response to the heavy rainfall and flash flooding that have impacted the east and northeast of the country earlier this week.”

He added initial reports indicate that more than 40 people were killed, 250 others injured and 573 residential houses partially damaged or completely destroyed.

“Our humanitarian colleagues tell us that 734 families require urgent humanitarian assistance,” he said.

The reception centre at the Torkham crossing, which serves as the main entry point for people returning from Pakistan, has been heavily hit by the storm.

“To date, we have received some $720 million — which is less than a quarter of what we need for this year’s $3 billion humanitarian appeal for Afghanistan,” he concluded.

Last week, flash floods caused life and heavy financial losses in Nangarhar, Maidan Wardak, Panjsher and Laghman provinces.

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