UNAMA seeks $139m to support quake-hit Afghans

KABUL (Pajhwok): The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has appealed for $139 million in urgent funding to assist families affected by recent earthquakes in eastern Afghanistan, warning they could face a harsh winter without international support.

In a statement on its Facebook page, UNAMA said UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative Roza Otunbayeva visited the quake-affected areas and praised the resilience of local communities.

She highlighted the critical role of women in aid delivery and called on donors to step up assistance before winter sets in.

“The UN is appealing for $139 million now. Without it, families will not survive the winter,” she stressed.

Two weeks ago, a powerful earthquake struck several provinces, including Kunar, Nangarhar, Laghman, Panjsher and Nuristan. Kunar province suffered the most extensive damage and loss of life.

kk/sa