Kabul: An assistance mission for earthquake survivors continued on Wednesday as aid teams tackled roads blocked and communications lines down to reach communities that remain in need.
According to EMM, UN assessment teams who reached communities in Ghazi Abad district on foot on Tuesday said the aid response must continue and that search and removal of people from under rubble is a priority, Salam Al-Jabani from UNICEF in Kabul said. He said people are calling for help to remove those trapped under rubble and to bury those who died.
UN agencies have moved teams and transport to the region. The UN dispatched at least 25 assessment teams and increased flights under the humanitarian air service from Kabul. UNHCR is sending relief items from stockpiles in Kabul, including tents, blankets and solar lamps. Priority needs include shelter, medical supplies, drinking water and food.
Mr. Al-Jabani said access for medicines is difficult and that supplies are arriving on foot from the nearest UNICEF-supported hospital. He said medical staff at a centre in Ghazi Abad are treating patients outside under trees because the building has cracks.
Mr. Al-Jabani also said community members are moving into the area to help search and rescue and are bringing water and food.
Funding for aid is a concern. The UN World Food Programme said it can fund food assistance for earthquake victims for a few more weeks before funds run out, and John Aylieff in Kabul asked donors to step in. Of the $2.4 billion required for aid and development programmes in Afghanistan this year, $685.8 million has been provided, the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, said.
UN Women reported that many Afghan women are among first responders and that they work up to 18 hours a day and travel on foot to speak with women and girls. Susan Ferguson, UN Women Afghanistan Special Representative, said the agency and partners are assessing needs and prioritising cash assistance and distribution of items including tarpaulins, soap and feminine hygiene products. She said cultural restrictions can make it harder for women to access support and services and cited Afghan women returnees from Iran and Pakistan as an example. She said women humanitarians help overcome these barriers and that without them many women and girls will miss out on assistance.
Details of reports and actions
– UN assessment teams reached communities in Ghazi Abad district on foot on Tuesday and reported the need to continue aid response, according to EMM.
– Salam Al-Jabani of UNICEF in Kabul said calls for help include removal of people trapped under rubble and burial of those who died.
– The UN has dispatched at least 25 assessment teams and increased humanitarian air service flights from Kabul.
– UNHCR is deploying relief items from stockpiles in Kabul, including tents, blankets and solar lamps.
– Priority needs cited include shelter, medical supplies, drinking water and food.
– Mr. Al-Jabani said access for medicines is difficult and that supplies are arriving on foot from the nearest UNICEF-supported hospital.
– Medical staff at a centre in Ghazi Abad are treating patients outdoors under trees because the building has cracks, Mr. Al-Jabani said.
– Community members are moving into the area to help search and rescue and are bringing water and food.
– The UN World Food Programme said it can fund food assistance for a few more weeks before funds run out; John Aylieff in Kabul urged donors to provide funding.
– Of $2.4 billion required for aid and development programmes in Afghanistan this year, $685.8 million has been provided, OCHA said.
– UN Women said many Afghan women are among first responders, working up to 18 hours a day and travelling on foot to reach women and girls.
– Susan Ferguson of UN Women said the agency is working with partners to assess needs and to prioritise cash assistance and distribution of items including tarpaulins, soap and feminine hygiene products.