This photo taken on May 18, 2024, shows the flood-hit area in Firoz Koh in west Afghanistan's Ghor province. (Photo by Baktash/Xinhua)
The recent devastating floods in Afghanistan have claimed approximately 350 lives, including numerous children, and have destroyed over 7,800 homes, displacing more than 5,000 families.
UNITED NATIONS, June 3 (Xinhua) -- The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) is intensifying its relief efforts for tens of thousands of children in Afghanistan suffering due to persistent flash floods impacting areas like Baghlan, Badakhshan, and Ghor, UN News reported on Monday.
The recent devastating floods in Afghanistan have claimed approximately 350 lives, including numerous children, and have destroyed over 7,800 homes, displacing more than 5,000 families.
In response, UNICEF has provided essential supplies such as safe water and hygiene kits containing soap, toothbrushes, and more to the affected communities. The agency has also organized educational sessions on handwashing and safe water storage to help mitigate the risks from the ongoing natural disaster.
Tajudeen Oyewale, UNICEF's representative in Afghanistan, emphasized the need for the international community to "redouble efforts and investments to support communities to alleviate and adapt to the impact of climate change on children."
Moreover, UNICEF is aiding the affected populations by distributing cash assistance to support families' basic needs and deploying health and nutrition teams to care for the injured and sick. The agency is also providing warm clothing, blankets, and household items to families who have lost their possessions.
Highlighting the broader issue, UNICEF pointed out that Afghanistan ranks 15th among 163 countries on its 2021 Children's Climate Risk Index, indicating that Afghan children are particularly susceptible to climate and environmental shocks, despite the country's minimal contribution to global climate change issues. ■
