Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis deepens: Earthquakes and economic woes leave millions in need

DINA MAHMOUD (KABUL, LONDON)

Recent earthquakes in northeastern Afghanistan, following earlier tremors in the west, have heightened the UN’s concern over the ongoing “humanitarian emergency” in the country. This crisis leaves a significant portion of the population in urgent need of support and relief.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) predicts that nearly 23.7 million Afghans, over half the population, will require essential aid. This situation is exacerbated by a fragile economy and a severe food security crisis affecting approximately 15.8 million people.

Humanitarian agencies are prioritising aid for 17.3 million people, deemed in greater need this year. To support these efforts, a budget exceeding $3 billion is necessary, focusing mainly on food aid, clean water, education, healthcare services, and sanitation.

A report by OCHA, published on the “ReliefWeb” website, indicates that 65% of Afghan households are reeling from economic shocks, with poverty affecting nearly half the population.

Despite low-level economic stability in the past year, Afghanistan’s long-standing challenges – decades of war, political unrest, climate change impacts – are likely to perpetuate severe food insecurity into 2024.

The report notes that the country’s climate crisis has resulted in drought-like conditions in 25 of its 34 provinces, with 67% of households struggling to access water. This, combined with the impact of natural disasters like the recent earthquakes displacing nearly 275,000 people, worsens Afghanistan’s humanitarian plight.

UN officials also warn of the ongoing large-scale displacement, the dangers of mines and unexploded ordnance, increasing gender-based violence, and the rise of negative social and economic trends, including child labour and early marriage.

Experts point out that female-headed households in Afghanistan are particularly vulnerable, suffering higher rates of food insecurity, child labour, and underage marriages. These families often resort to adaptive strategies to cope with escalating poverty.