Afghanistan’s Nooristan faces severe food shortages, 136,000 people at risk: ICRC
Kabul, April 22 (IANS) Severe food shortages are being faced by 136,000 people representing 17,000 households, due to border clashes for weeks between Taliban forces and Pakistan, local media reported on Tuesday.
Basic household items and health care are also issues due to the restricted access and insecurity, said a press release by the International Committee of the Red Cross(ICRC).
Kamdesh and Barg-e-Matal districts are the worst-affected areas, as road closures left the communities cut off for more than six weeks, Afghanistan’s leading news agency Khaama Press reported.
“Afghanistan remains in a deep humanitarian crisis, with millions relying on aid amid widespread poverty, weak healthcare systems and economic collapse,” said the report from Khaama.
Supply disruptions caused by conflict make remote regions like Nuristan particularly vulnerable due to poor infrastructure.
The press release also mentioned that ICRC, ARCS and UN agencies have engaged in sustained dialogue with all parties to the armed conflict since early April.
In a multi-day operation, the humanitarian actors have now commenced the delivery of vital assistance to affected communities, following the discussions. The delivery of food, medical supplies and other essential relief items is prioritised in the initial response activities.
To ensure that the assistance is aligned with the most urgent needs on the ground, the ICRC, ARCS, and UN agencies continue to engage closely with community representatives, the press release highlighted.
According to early assessments, food security, health care and essential services needs still remain significant.
“The humanitarian organisations involved reiterate their commitment to operating in accordance with the principles of neutrality, independence and impartiality, and call for continued support from all parties to facilitate safe, unimpeded and sustained access to vulnerable communities,” said the news release from the ICRC.
–IANS
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