Japan Committee for UNICEF
Afghanistan Floods: 5,000 families lose their homes ~ Disasters increase due to climate change, UNICEF emergency assistance goes to the area [Press Release]
……
[Image 1: https://prtimes.jp/i/5176/2359/resize/d5176-2359-8d21691424acead93bc0-0.jpg&s3=5176-2359-ae60ef9cfc9a614a38df2da1e9be998a-1536×1024.jpg] Children in the western state of Ghor collect safe water provided by UNICEF. UNICEF supplied 5,000 liters of water in water bags and delivered hygiene supplies such as blankets, children’s clothes, buckets, water tanks, soap and water purifiers to affected families. (Afghanistan, taken on May 28, 2024) (C) U
[June 3, 2024, from Kabul]
Tens of thousands of children have been affected by flash floods in Afghanistan, particularly in Baghlan and Badakhshan provinces in the north and Ghor province in the west. The most recent floods claimed nearly 350 lives, including at least 12 children. More than 7,800 houses were partially or completely destroyed, leaving more than 5,000 families homeless.
＊ ＊ ＊
UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) immediately trucked in clean water, distributed hygiene kits containing soap, buckets, plastic drinking water tanks, toothbrushes, etc., and raised awareness of the importance of hand washing and safe water storage. The method was communicated to affected communities through hygiene promoters. In addition, UNICEF deployed a traveling hygiene and nutrition team to provide medical care for the sick and wounded, and delivered warm clothing, blankets, and household and cooking supplies to families who had lost their belongings. Through its rapid response mechanism, UNICEF also provided immediate cash transfer assistance to help families rebuild their lives and meet their basic needs.
Recent extreme weather events in Afghanistan exhibit all the hallmarks of a deepening climate crisis. Some of the affected areas were hit by drought last year. According to the report, extreme weather events in Afghanistan are increasing in frequency and intensity, causing loss of life and livelihoods and severe damage to infrastructure.
[Image 2: https://prtimes.jp/i/5176/2359/resize/d5176-2359-6fff42641602922969da-0.jpg&s3=5176-2359-0a9d86ba6af500092df000f637098984-1536×1024.jpg] Nine-year-old Farzan stands in front of his flood-ravaged home in the western province of Ghor. Since she lost all her belongings, she borrows her cousin’s clothes to wear. (Afghanistan, taken on May 28, 2024) (C) UNICEF_UNI584792_Naftalin
Tajudeen Oywale, UNICEF Representative in Afghanistan, said: “The international community must redouble support and investment in communities to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change on children. At the same time, UNICEF and humanitarian agencies must But as extreme weather events become more frequent and severe, UNICEF and other humanitarian workers need to respond faster and at scale. This will only be possible through increased preparedness, including greater pre-positioning of emergency supplies and stronger
collaboration with partners, while UNICEF also supports local communities to become independent and independent. We must focus on building community resilience to adapt to climate and environmental shocks.”
Afghanistan ranks 15th out of 163 countries in UNICEF’s 2021 Children’s Climate Crisis Index. This means that not only is the country exposed to climate and environmental shocks, but children living in Afghanistan are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change compared to other parts of the world. However, Afghanistan is one of the countries that emits the least amount of greenhouse gases, which contribute to the problem of climate change. In contrast, the combined emissions of the top 10 countries with the highest carbon dioxide emissions account for nearly 70% of total global emissions.
[Image 3: https://prtimes.jp/i/5176/2359/resize/d5176-2359-029cbc94457686b8fcfa-0.jpg&s3=5176-2359-993fcd8cbfb2c82563de44cecc8c172c-1536×1024.jpg] A family affected by the disaster in a village in Baghlan province. The children were injured in the flood, and all their sheep were washed away. (Afghanistan, taken on May 16, 2024) (C)
UNICEF_UNI577384_Khayyam
“Heavy rains will not immediately spell disaster for children in Afghanistan. We must prioritize the unique needs of children in our decision-making and address their needs now to protect against future disasters. We need to invest in the essential services they rely on. It is through the generosity of all our partners that UNICEF field offices are able to provide support for children and their families in Afghanistan.” (Representative of Oiware)
＊ ＊ ＊
■ Notes
The Children’s Climate Crisis Index report and country data can be found here. https://www.unicef.org/reports/climate-crisis-child-rights-crisis Related press releases (Japanese) can be viewed here.
https://www.unicef.or.jp/news/2021/0163.html
■ About UNICEF
UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) is a United Nations agency that works to promote the rights and healthy development of all children. We are currently working with many partners in approximately 190 countries and regions* to translate our philosophy into concrete actions in a variety of ways. We work for all children, everywhere around the world, with a particular focus on supporting those most in need. UNICEF’s activities are funded entirely by donations from individuals, companies, and organizations, as well as voluntary contributions from governments around the world. (www.unicef.org) *Includes 33 countries and regions where UNICEF National Committees (UNICEF Association) are active
■ About Japan UNICEF Association
The Japan Committee for UNICEF, a public interest incorporated foundation, is one of the UNICEF national committees in 33 developed countries and regions, and is the only private organization in Japan that represents UNICEF. ). (www.unicef.or.jp)
More details about this release:
https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000002359.000005176.html