The European Union has allocated €150,000 to provide emergency aid to families in Afghanistan affected by severe cold temperatures in early March.
This funding, funneled through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), is aimed at assisting approximately 11,200 individuals in some of the hardest-hit provinces, including Badghis and Kunduz.
The EU office in Kabul said in a statement that aid provided includes warm clothing and footwear, multipurpose cash grants for meeting basic needs, and essential hygiene kits for women and girls, featuring menstrual pads, soap, underwear, toothpaste, and toothbrushes.
This contribution is part of the EU’s commitment to the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) of the IFRC, the office said.
Afghanistan’s high-altitude provinces have suffered significantly, with at least 70 people dead and over 14,000 affected by heavy snowfall and extreme cold since early March.
Temperatures have dropped to as low as minus 33 degrees Celsius (minus 27.4 degrees Fahrenheit), leading to the death of over 70,000 livestock and the destruction of nearly 1,500 homes.
Additionally, snow blockages on major roads have severely hindered travel for residents seeking necessities.
