United Nations: UNICEF has provided essential aid to tens of thousands of children affected by the floods that took place in Afghanistan, mainly in the Baghlan, Badakhshan and Ghor regions.
Recent floods in Afghanistan have killed nearly 350 people, including dozens of children, and damaged more than 7,800 homes, according to UNICEF.
UNICEF says it has since provided communities in Afghanistan with safe water, hygiene kits, soap, toothbrushes and more. The Children’s Foundation also conducts hygiene classes for civilians on hand washing and safe water storage during natural disasters.
Dr. Tajudeen Oyewale, UNICEF representative in Afghanistan, said the international community should “redouble efforts and investments to support communities to adapt and mitigate the effects of climate change on children”.
UNICEF said it was supporting civilians in Afghanistan by providing cash assistance to families to meet their basic needs and by deploying health and nutrition teams to treat the wounded and sick. In addition, the agency distributes sweaters, blankets and household items to families who have lost property.
According to UNICEF, the recent floods in Afghanistan reveal a climate crisis that is “rapidly increasing in height and severity” with the destruction of people, livelihoods and infrastructure.
Dr Oywale said UNICEF and members of the humanitarian community must prepare for “the new reality of climate-related disasters”.
“The increasing number and severity of climate events will require UNICEF and other humanitarian actors to engage in a faster and broader humanitarian response,” he said. “But this can only be done with strong preparatory measures, such as the earlier deployment of emergency equipment and enhanced coordination with partners.”
He also said that UNICEF should help people adapt to climate and environmental impacts in order to reduce their dependence on humanitarian aid.
UNICEF ranked Afghanistan 15th out of 163 countries in the 2021 Child Climate Vulnerability Index, which means children are more vulnerable to climate and environmental impacts. However, Afghanistan is said to be one of the least responsible for climate change.
Dr. Oyewale said heavy rain should not be a disaster for children in Afghanistan.
“We must prioritize the unique needs of children in decision-making, while investing in the essential services they rely on to protect children from future tragedies,” she said.
