The most recent floods in Afghanistan killed about 350 people, including dozens of children and damaged more than 7,800 houses, forcing more than 5,000 families to relocate.
UNICEF has since provided clean water, soap hygiene kits, toothbrushes and more to communities in Afghanistan. The Children’s Fund also organizes hygiene sessions to teach people about handwashing and safe water storage during natural disasters.
Dr. Tajudeen Oyewale, UNICEF Representative in Afghanistan, said that the international community should “Double your efforts and investments supporting communities to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change on children.”
UNICEF has also supported people in Afghanistan by providing cash assistance to help families meet their basic needs, and assigning medical and nutrition teams to treat the injured and get sick. Furthermore, the agency distributed warm clothes, blankets and household items to families who lost property.
The climate crisis is growing
UNICEF reports that recent flash floods in Afghanistan indicate a “severe climate crisis” that is “increasing in frequency and severity” causing loss of life, loss of livelihoods and damaged infrastructure. damage.
Dr Oyewale said UNICEF and members of the humanitarian community need to prepare for “the new reality of climate-related disasters”.
“The increasing number and severity of extreme weather events will require UNICEF and other humanitarian organizations to intervene in even more rapid and large-scale humanitarian responses.,” she said. “But this will only be possible with enhanced preparedness measures, such as pre-positioning more emergency relief supplies and strengthening coordination with stakeholders. work.”
She also said that UNICEF needs to focus on helping communities adapt to climate and environmental shocks to reduce people’s dependence on humanitarian aid.
Children’s climate risk index
UNICEF said Afghanistan is ranked 15th out of 163 countries in the 2021 Children’s Climate Risk Index, which means children there are particularly vulnerable to the effects of shocks. climate and environment. However, Afghanistan is arguably one of the countries least responsible for creating climate problems.
Dr. Oyewale said heavy rainfall will not cause disaster for children in Afghanistan.
“We need to prioritize children’s unique needs when making decisions and address these needs now to protect children from future disasters, while investing in the basic services they rely on,” she said.
