Harsh winter threatens nearly 100,000 children affected by earthquake in Afghanistan - UN
The United Nations Children's Fund (UN NISEF ) reported on Monday that 100,000 children who were affected by the strong earthquake that occurred in western Afghanistan in October last year are in a difficult situation due to the harsh winter.
"Three months later, the effects of the Herat earthquake are still lingering, with many families still living in tents or sleeping in the open despite the extreme cold," UNICEF said.
The organization added that the severe winter that has gripped Afghanistan, including the Herat region, which was hit hard by October's earthquake, is threatening lives and slowing reconstruction.
"Children are still struggling to cope with loss and trauma. Schools and health centers have been damaged beyond repair or completely destroyed," said Fran Equiza, UNICEF's country head.
"As if that wasn't enough, winter has come and the temperature has dropped below zero. Homeless children and families are unable to heat their temporary shelters at night and live in life-threatening conditions," said Ekviza.
The agency announced that it is continuing to provide clean water to about 19,000 people in Herat, and plans to distribute cash assistance to families to meet their basic needs and survive the winter. Also, dozens of institutions were established for several thousand children, half of them girls, to continue their basic education.
But thousands of people still need help. The representative of the UN said that he is worried about the survival of the 96 thousand children affected by the earthquakes if the necessary services are not provided.
"We look forward to continued support to ensure the children not only survive the winter, but have the opportunity to thrive in the months and years to come," Fran Equiza said.
According to the UN, at least 23 million people in Afghanistan are in need of humanitarian assistance, half of them children, "due to protracted conflicts, extreme climate shocks and the country's severe economic decline."
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Due to limited humanitarian aid, these numbers may increase in the coming weeks and months.
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The government of Pakistan has ordered 1.7 million Afghan immigrants to leave the country by November.
