WFP seeks funds to feed Afghans

By B. Muralidhar Reddy

ISLAMABAD, OCT. 4. The World Food Programme (WFP) has given an emergency call to the international community for funds to the tune of $230 millions to feed an estimated 7.5 million people in Afghanistan, affected on account of the humanitarian crisis.

Ms. Catherine Bertini, Executive Director of the WFP, has appealed to the international community to respond generously to the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan as well as the surrounding countries, warning that the situation could worsen with the onset of winter.

``We must move with speed and determination. Millions of lives are at stake. This week we have made an important start with the resumption of some overland food deliveries. We have to build on this if we are to avoid a humanitarian disaster. I appeal to the international community to be as supportive and generous as possible,'' Ms. Bertini said in a statement issued here.

The WFP food deliveries now average about 500 MTs a day, enough to feed about one million people. The WFP is trying to increase these deliveries and deliver as much as 52,000 MTs per month. This is the amount necessary to feed the six million people identified as the neediest, as well as the 1.5 million people that are expected to seek refuge outside Afghanistan in the event of a war.

A separate $27 million special operation has just been approved. This aims to provide a region-wide logistical support network, telecommunications, passenger air service for humanitarian personnel, air-cargo support, a fleet of 190 trucks as well as security equipment and personnel.

``Fortunately, we have not seen a significant outflow of refugees. However, inside the country we face a vast food crisis as a result of three years of festering drought and ongoing civil war. For example, in the northern provinces of Balkh and Faryab we estimate 400,000 people will run out of their own food stocks as well as international relief supplies this week. Their situation is perilous,'' the WFP official said.

``Once the snows start in mid-November, most roads will be impassable. We estimate that 100,000 families will be cut off from food deliveries. Unfortunately, given the current situation on the ground, it is impossible to pre-position the necessary supplies to last these people through the winter. Without food, they will either have to leave their homes in search of supplies or die.''

Ms. Bertini said the WFP is planning to airdrop food to the area.

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Section  : International
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