Children in tents face snow and freezing cold in earthquake-devastated Afghanistan
Heavy snowfall in Afghanistan is exacerbating health risks for thousands of children still living in tents in areas devasted by earthquakes five months ago, Save the Children said.
Snow and freezing temperatures have killed at least 60 people across Afghanistan, injured more than 100 and destroyed or damaged about 450 homes , according to the Afghanistan National Disaster Authority [1].
The earthquake in Eastern Afghanistan on 31 August last year was among the deadliest to ever hit the country, killing nearly 2,000 people and destroying more than 8,000 homes, forcing children and families into tents.
About 5,700 families are still living in temporary camps in Kunar and Nangarhar provinces, according to the UN [2].
Bujar Hoxha, Country Director, Save the Children Afghanistan, said:
"Sub-zero temperatures and snow in earthquake-affected parts of eastern Afghanistan are putting children’s lives at risk.
"Five months after the earthquakes took away lives and livelihoods in Kunar, many children and their families still only have tents to call home. Only tarpaulin protects them from the heavy snow, frigid winds and plummeting temperatures.
"The bitterly cold weather is impacting every child. Freezing, damp conditions make young children extremely vulnerable to acute respiratory infections, including pneumonia.
" Save the Children has already supported nearly 3,000 families in Kunar with winter kits including blankets, warm clothing and essential household items. Urgent funding is needed to reach more vulnerable children and families who survived the earthquakes but are now enduring a brutally harsh winter."
This winter, Save the Children will reach nearly 75,000 people in Afghanistan with winter kits including clothing, blankets, heaters and insulation materials. More than 21,000 children will also benefit from the installation of heaters in community-based classes and childcare centres.
Save the Children has been working in Afghanistan since 1976, including during periods of conflict and natural disasters. We have programmes in 9 provinces and work with partners in an additional 11 provinces. We deliver services spanning health, nutrition, education, child protection, shelter, water, sanitation, hygiene and livelihoods.
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