RASC News Agency: In response to rising concerns over potential drought in Afghanistan, a coalition of international organizations has formed a task force to assess the risk and address its anticipated impacts. The Afghanistan Natural Disaster Management Authority announced that the task force would evaluate the likelihood of a severe drought in Afghanistan over the coming year. According to the authority’s statement, the team will conduct initial assessments in selected northern provinces as a preliminary focus.
The task force comprises representatives from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and UNICEF. Manija Vidich, Head of Strategic Planning at OCHA, emphasized that $10 million has been allocated for drought management in Afghanistan. Should a drought emerge, these funds will be used to distribute drought-resistant seeds, support alternative livelihoods for affected communities, and provide essential livestock feed.
OCHA underscored that the potential for drought could have far-reaching negative impacts on the country. Afghanistan has faced recurring droughts in recent years, which have significantly disrupted the lives of its citizens. Reports highlight that these droughts have contributed to losses in agriculture, depleted groundwater reserves, and limited access to safe drinking water. Droughts have also forced large numbers of people to abandon their homes and seek stability elsewhere.
Several international organizations have expressed growing alarm over Afghanistan’s vulnerability to future droughts, underscoring the urgency of coordinated, proactive measures.
